Nose Procedures FAQs

RHINOPLASTY FAQ

Q: 7 months post rhinoplasty, nose looks more swollen and less defined, advice?

A: Rhinoplasty usually takes about a year to heal. It’s a traumatic operation that affects many of the tissues in your nose. Looking swollen and bulbous at 7 months is perfectly normal. Do what you can to take your attention off your nose for the next 5 months. If at that time, you don’t like what you see, then you should schedule a consultation with rhinoplasty expert Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh of Carolina Facial Plastics for a revision surgery. I hope this helps.

Q: Can I get one nostril reducted?

A: Theoretically, it’s possible to refine just one nostril — if that’s all that needs to be done. An expert facial plastic surgeon will be able to look at your nose and make the best and least invasive treatment recommendation possible to get the results you want. You need to start interviewing people in person so they can evaluate your issue. I hope this helps.

Q:  Nose injury when I was small. Help needed. What should I do?

A: From your description, the problems you are experiencing with your nose can be resolved by an expert facial plastic surgeon using rhinoplasty. Your nose can be straightened, the scar can be faded, and the asymmetry resolved. You need to start interviewing the best facial plastic surgeons in your area to find one to help so that you’re not in physical pain anymore and you also feel more comfortable with your appearance. I hope this helps.

Q: Hit nose 10 weeks after septorhinoplasty – did I damage my nose?

A: Your accident sounds painful and I hope you’re feeling better. Don’t be anxious. Go back to your facial plastic surgeon and explain what happened. He or she can examine your nose to see if it’s still healing as expected and make recommendations if it’s not. I hope this helps.

Q: I have thick nose skin after my surgery, will it ever go back to normal?

A: Don’t worry; your description of your nose skin sounds perfectly normal for being halfway through the healing phase. Noses are delicate and rhinoplasty is quite a traumatic procedure (though well worth it). Your nose takes up to a year to completely heal. Meanwhile, feeling squishy, fat and bumpy just indicates that the nose is still filled with fluids and hasn’t completely healed. Be patient: your beautiful results are coming in another 6 months. I hope this helps.

Q: Can a non-surgical nose job give me the appearance of a thinner nose/slimmer bridge like makeup contour? 

A: Non-surgical nose jobs using dermal fillers can do an excellent job of masking the appearance of a distracting dorsal hump. When your nose is straighter, it often also appears shorter. However, though adding fillers to your bridge would make your nose more symmetrical, it would also look wider, not narrower.

You could get a terrific improvement with surgical rhinoplasty, which lasts a lifetime; fillers need to be redone every few months to a year. I’d suggest consulting with an excellent facial plastic surgeon about rhinoplasty. If he or she doesn’t convince you that surgery is your best option, you can try out a nonsurgical nose job first. However, I don’t think you’d be satisfied with it and would quickly move to rhinoplasty.  I hope this helps.

Q: What can be done to make my nose and nostrils more symmetrical? 

A: Judging from your photos, it looks like you may have some deviation in your septum, which can be corrected with a septoplasty. As for your nostrils, the septoplasty may improve the symmetry or your tip can be refined to improve the look of your nostrils further. Cost and details should be worked out once you find an excellent facial plastic surgeon. I hope this helps.

Q: Would a surgical or non-surgical procedure be the best way to fix my nose? 

A: While the choice is ultimately yours, I wouldn’t recommend a nonsurgical rhinoplasty in your case. Improving the nose with hyaluronic-acid based dermal fillers is best to hide small imperfections, such as a nasal bump or a septum that is asymmetrical. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty has to be repeated every few months. I usually recommend it as a way to “audition” an improved nose to those who are leery of surgery.

In your case, surgical rhinoplasty could debulk and raise your tip, which would allow the viewer’s attention to go to your eyes, rather than straight to your nose. Rhinoplasty improvements last for life.  I’d suggest consulting with an expert facial plastic surgeon in Charlotte to discuss both of your options in more depth, so you can make the best choice for you.  I hope this helps.

Q: My nose is not straight, what can I do to straighten it?

A: Your photo is small so it is difficult to discern your issue. In general, the only way to correct the alignment of an asymmetric nose is to either straighten the cartilage and bone with surgical rhinoplasty or resolve the asymmetry with the use of nonsurgical dermal fillers. Surgical rhinoplasty is, of course, a permanent procedure. Rhinoplasty with fillers requires touch-ups every 6 to 24 months, depending on which fillers were used. Whether you choose fillers or surgery to correct your nose, the best outcome depends on the skill of your surgeon.  I hope this helps.

Q: Will my nose stay upturned like this? I had my rhinoplasty and chin implant done yesterday.

A: First, having anxiety or regrets after facial plastic surgery is perfectly normal — particularly because the first stage of healing is not pretty looking. I wouldn’t worry about your nose being upturned. Facial plastic surgeons usually over-rotate the nose tip upward, knowing that it will drop as the nose begins to heal. If we didn’t take that step, the tip of your nose might droop downward, which would be unflattering and aging. You won’t see your final rhinoplasty results for about a year. Your chin will also be swollen for a couple of months. If you still are unhappy after the swelling has completely resolved, you could inquire about revision rhinoplasty. I hope this helps.

Q: I feel that my nose is a little too wide for my face and the nose wings seem disproportionately large. I have somewhat thick skin and the lower part of my nose feels very soft. I would appreciate opinions on what could be done to improve the shape of my nose.

A: The length of your nose seems proportional to your face, but the nostrils are wide and the tip is bulbous. You’d benefit from a surgical rhinoplasty to improve your nose so that it is better balanced with your face. I would thin out the tissue, refine the tip, and narrow the alar region to give you a nose that is less prominent on your face and allows the viewer to focus on your eyes and lips. I hope this helps.

Q: Is my ideal nose achievable? About how much would it cost?

A: The changes you want to improve your nose are quite possible to achieve with the help of an expert facial plastic surgeon. As for price, that will depend on location and also the expertise of the surgeon. You can get a ballpark figure from this site, but your best bet is to begin interviewing facial plastic surgeons in your area to find one you believe will give you the best results. Payment plans can usually be worked out. 

Learn about rhinoplasty pricing options at Carolina Facial Plastics in Charlotte.

Q:  If I’m okay with the tip of my nose, can I just get the bridge fixed?

A: It’s difficult to answer your question without photos, but if the only thing you want to be fixed on your nose is to remove that hump, that’s very do-able. You never have to change anything on your nose that you’re happy with.

We usually use nasal rasps to file down humps, so the cartilage and bone probably would not have to be broken in your case. However, this all depends on your anatomy, so you’d need to have a face-to-face consultation with a facial plastic surgeon to get a definitive answer. As for price, never look for bargains when it comes to facial plastic surgery; that’s one area where you can’t afford to make a mistake. Most expert surgeons can work with you to come up with a payment plan. I hope this helps.

Q: Can a doctor do a nose you want on someone else?

A: Your photos suggest that you could achieve your ideal or something close to it if you find an expert facial plastic surgeon who specializes in African-American rhinoplasty.  It would be helpful to see views of your nose in profile, too, to determine if changes need to be made to your bridge. As for narrowing your bridge and nostrils, that can be accomplished by an expert facial plastic surgeon. My office is in North Carolina. I would be happy to consult with you over phone or Skype. I hope this helps.

Q: I don‘t like my nose. I wonder whether it could be enough to fix my nose tip?

A: The aim of rhinoplasty is to create a nose that is more harmonious with the face, allowing the viewer to focus on expressive features, such as the eyes and lips. Right now, your nose attracts more attention than it should. Improving the tip by straightening it, refining the nostrils, and rotating it upwards slightly would bring it into more balance with your other features. You also have a nasal hump, which could be removed. But, as always, the changes you should make are the ones that you want — not your surgeon or anyone else. You decide what’s “enough.” I hope this helps.

Q: Can I apply acne creams on my nose 1 month after rhinoplasty? Will it affect my nose or something??

A: Your nose will be healing for up to 1 year after your rhinoplasty. However, this is mostly internal swelling that does not affect your skin at all. If you still have a sore nose or have wounds that are still healing, I would avoid acne remedies or anything else that can irritate your skin. If you are uncertain, you could always ask or visit the facial plastic surgeon who performed your rhinoplasty to verify that you are healing on schedule. I hope this helps.

Q: Bulbous tip 25yr old, am I a good candidate for a rhinoplasty?

A: You look like an excellent candidate for tip rhinoplasty. This is a simpler procedure than a full rhinoplasty because the bone doesn’t need to be broken or reshaped.

The tip of your nose would be debulked of tissue and the nostrils narrows and reshaped. Directly after your rhinoplasty, your nose tip might be over-rotated — the “piggy” look you refer to — but this is a correction your facial plastic surgeon makes so that when the nose heals it drops into a normal position. Without the initial over-rotation, you might end up with a drooping nose. You should have a beautiful result if you work with an expert. I hope this helps.

Q: Can I have my breathing and self-image improved?

A: Your nose shape, size, and function could be improved considerably with rhinoplasty. The dorsal hump would be removed with nasal rasps, the nose straightened, refined and shortened, and the bulbous tip debulked and refined. This will give you a nose that looks more in balance with your face and should also improve your breathing difficulties. I hope this helps.

Q: I’ve been thinking about having my nose done for years, as the hump and bulbousness on the front have bothered me on and off for a few years. After years of saving up and researching, I found a doctor I liked and had a consult. I keep having second thoughts now because the change is so minor to my family, they don’t think the cost is worth the difference. Should I save my $$ and try to fix the hump with fillers instead?

A: If you’re in doubt, I suggest going back to the facial plastic surgeon you liked and asking for a non-surgical nose job with dermal fillers and Botox. This combination will not give you the look you proposed in your “after” photo, but it may make enough of a difference to satisfy you. It also may help you to change your mind to go ahead with actual rhinoplasty. The cost of fillers and Botox over time will quickly add up to the same cost as surgery.  I hope this helps.

Q: Will I be able to go to a football game this Friday a week after getting my nasal bone pushed back in place?

A: One week after nose surgery, you should go back to your facial plastic surgeon to make sure everything is healing well. At that point, your splints can be removed and, if you have stitches, they’ll be removed, too. After that, you’re free to attend a football game as long as you are in the crowd, not on the field. Your nose will be healing for quite some time so you should avoid strenuous activity for at least 3 weeks and avoid any activities that could bump or displace your nose again for up to a year. I hope this helps.

Q: How long would a rhinoplasty last for if I want to fix a bump on my nose? How much would it cost?

A: When you have a bump removed during a rhinoplastic procedure, it is filed down using nasal rasps. It does not return. Your nose may have age-related changes over time, but these are generally due to gravity’s force on soft tissues. Cost can vary considerably by geographical area and the facial plastic surgeon’s level of expertise. Your best bet is to start consulting with experts in your area. I hope this helps.

Q: Is my nose big? If so do you think I’ll grow into it more? (I’m 18)?

A: Your nose is a little large in proportion to your other features. However, it is nicely shaped and may look more balanced either with some further growth in the jawline, and/or a temporary chin augmentation with a dermal filler while you finish growing. Because you are asking for others’ opinions of your nose, I assume that you’re uncertain about whether to do anything about it or not. In my opinion, that means you’re not ready for a nose job. Give yourself more time. Focus on other things. If your nose still bothers you in a few years, then you can explore your options. I hope this helps.

Q: Did I ruin my rhinoplasty result? 4 days post rhino  I accidentally wiggled my nose up and down and it kinda hurt. No bleeding occurred should I be scared?

A: Your nose is sore, swollen, and very tender. While accidentally wiggling your nose may have irritated it a little, the movement should not affect your rhinoplasty outcome. Manipulating your nose, hitting your nose, bending down or turning upside down could compromise your results. If your nose didn’t bleed and the pain quickly subsided, you should be OK. If the pain persists, go see your surgeon right away to be sure your healing is on track. I hope this helps.

Q: I had rhinoplasty 10 weeks ago and have noticed my nose profile looks different on each side. Why is this?  

A: Rhinoplasty is a traumatic procedure that requires a long healing period. At 10 weeks, you are still swollen — even if you can’t see it. There may be swelling inside your nose that is causing the different perspectives, depending on which profile you view. Wait for a year — that’s how long it will be before you can judge your rhinoplasty results. Then, if you are still bothered, you can consider ways to remedy the discrepancy. I hope this helps.

Q: I had my nose done 3 years ago, at age 16, after longing to do it for SO long. The thing is, I’m not satisfied with the result. Could I demand a repetitive surgery from my doctor?

A: Without before-and-after photos, I can’t determine how much of an impact your rhinoplasty had on your nose. Although you look good, further improvements could be made. If you are not happy with your results, I would recommend first contacting your original surgeon to see if you are entitled to a revision without charge or at a reduced rate. After 3 years, that may not be possible. Consulting with other facial plastic surgeons could also give you some insights into your outcome and other options for revision. Please note that revision rhinoplasty takes even more expertise than an original rhinoplasty, owing to the presence of scar tissue. I hope this helps.

Q: Can my nose be made smaller? I just wanted to ask if this can be made a bit smaller with a nice shape

A: Yes, the width of your nose can be decreased, the tip of your nose thinned and your nostrils refined through rhinoplastic surgery. However, you must take your time and find an expert facial plastic surgeon who has verifiable experience getting great results with African-American noses. There are physical differences between Caucasian and ethnic noses that must be considered during a rhinoplasty. Also, it is important to create a nose that matches the person’s ethnicity and harmonizes well with his other features. I hope this helps.

Q:  What kind of nose job do I require?

A: Rhinoplasty is surgery; there is no way to avoid that. However, it is absolutely possible to improve only the tip of your nose — if that’s what you want. And, from your photos, that’s all you need to bring your nose into better balance with your features. A tip rhinoplasty would be done by debulking the skin on the tip and narrowing the nostrils. Your nose is also pointed downward, which will look aging over time. I’d rotate the tip upward slightly. I hope this helps.

Q: Does my nose look over-rotated?

A: Your nose looks wonderful for 3 weeks post-op. Don’t worry about your nose rotation yet. Facial plastic surgeons will commonly over-rotate the tip to compensate for the effects of gravity and swelling. It will drop lower within the next few months, and you’ll be glad for the over-rotation; you wouldn’t want to be left with a drooping nose tip. You look to be on track for a very satisfying rhinoplasty result. I hope this helps.

Q:  Is it safe to use glycolic acid on your nose 4 months after rhinoplasty?

A: Personally, I wouldn’t have a problem with a patient using glycolic acid 4 months after rhinoplasty. Your nose is mostly healed on the exterior and will just be recovering from internal swelling for the next 8 months or so. However, every facial plastic surgeon is different. I would suggest contacting yours to find out what his or her recommendations are. We are always happy to help our patients with any information they need.  I hope this helps.

Q: When can I put in my nose ring again after rhinoplasty? I’m 12 days post-op.

A: Your nose has undergone a significant amount of trauma during your rhinoplasty. At 12 days, it is still too sensitive and swollen to tolerate the insertion of a nose ring. I would wait at least two months before considering putting the nose ring back. Even then, I would advise some caution if it takes any kind of manipulation or force to get the ring in. It’s unlikely the hole would close up in that time. If your nose still seems significantly swollen at two months, I’d wait longer. Better to re-pierce your nose than to damage it by too much manipulation too soon. I hope this helps.

Q: Why does my nose lean more to the right? One nostril is bigger than the other  

A: Asymmetry in the face is actually common and normal. It is very rare that anyone has a completely symmetrical face; those lucky few are supermodels. For the rest of us, the choice is to make peace with our asymmetries or to fix them. Your nostrils can be repositioned and/or your nasal bone straightened if need be. (It’s difficult to visualize the bone in the photo you provided owing to the shadows). If you’re troubled by your nose and feel that it detracts from your attractiveness, then start consulting with facial plastic surgeons to see if a rhinoplasty would be a solution for you. I hope this helps.

Q: Do I need rhinoplasty?

A: I’d like to echo my colleagues below by saying that no one ever really needs rhinoplasty; it’s a cosmetic procedure that is performed based on the patient’s desire. This is in contrast to septoplasty — straightening the septum —  which may be required to improve breathing. Rhinoplasty may or may not include septoplasty.

There are many people in the world who have large, crooked noses who are perfectly OK with the way they look and lead fulfilling and wonderful lives. However, if you are bothered by the way your nose looks — or by the way other people respond to it — then it is quite possible to straighten out the asymmetry and narrow your nostrils. Find an expert facial plastic surgeon who understands the aesthetics of the male face. I hope this helps.

Q: 2 weeks after rhinoplasty and my nose still looks big? My nose still looks bulbous (I know it’s still swollen) but it doesn’t look like my tip will reduce any much more.

A: It is very common for a nose not only to look big after rhinoplasty but even to look bigger than your original nose. This is because of the swelling. It can be frustrating to go through rhinoplastic surgery and still have a “big” nose, but it is not a permanent condition. You need to have patience with your body as it begins to heal. The skin, bone, and cartilage are all traumatized during surgery. Inflammation (swelling) is the normal response and will help your nose to heal and look beautiful in the end. If one year from now, you are unhappy with your nose, then that is the time to think about a revision procedure. Right now, concentrate on other things you like to do and let your nose take its time to heal. I hope this helps.

Q: Previous to my operation I was an amateur boxer for several years I’m 30 days post op and although I’ve given up fighting I don’t think boxing is something I can give up my training is very intense I’ve read that your allowed to get back into physical activity 4 weeks after your operation but I just want to be sure if me hitting the bag and keeping my heart rate extremely high will affect me at this stage.

A: Generally, I advise my patients to begin re-introducing most of their normal activities about one month after their rhinoplastic surgery. This includes working out at the gym. However, if you are returning to extremely intense workouts, I would suggest you ease into them. At 4 weeks, go back to the gym and do cardio, stretches, etc. But wait until you see how your body responds before getting into high-intensity workouts that involve throwing punches. Certainly, don’t do any sparring or anything else that could put your nose at risk. If there is even a chance that the bag could hit you in the face after you’ve thrown a punch, I’d suggest finding another workout until you are 12 months post op and completely healed. I hope this helps.

Q: How to get the perfect nose shape?

A: Although your photo doesn’t reveal much of your face, you seem to be quite attractive even with your present nose. However, your nose could be improved by narrowing it and refining the tip and nostrils. When you meet with a facial plastic surgeon, he or she will consider your nose in balance with your other features. You can bring some photos of noses that you think would be flattering to your face and these can be discussed. You will never have a “perfect” nose, but rhinoplasty would make your nose less prominent and direct the viewer’s eyes to your other, expressive features. I hope this helps.

Q: What can I do for my flat nose bridge and round nose?

A: The bridge of your nose can be built up and strengthened with cartilage grafts from either your ribs or ears. The bulbous tip can be thinned down and the nostrils narrowed and refined. You will need to find a facial plastic surgeon who is expert in ethnic rhinoplasty to be sure you get a result that is not only flattering but also respects your ethnicity. I hope this helps.

Q: Nose lopsided and wide. What can be done?

A: The asymmetry and wideness of your nostrils can be rectified with rhinoplasty. It looks like you have a very short bridge and not much cartilage. Though it’s difficult to ascertain your heritage from the photo, you would probably need to see an expert who specializes in ethnic noses to be sure you get the best outcome, as there are structural differences that need to be taken into account depending on a patient’s ethnicity. It’s also important that your new nose harmonize with the rest of your facial features and also respects your ethnic background. I hope this helps.

Q: Can I have otoplasty, rhinoplasty, and genioplasty in the same sitting?

A: Two or three cosmetic surgeries done at the same time is a better choice than doing them separately, as the recovery time will be less. You would definitely benefit from a rhinoplasty to shorten and narrow your nose, better balancing it with your face. I’d suggest a chin implant to widen your jaw slightly and bring the chin into better alignment with the lips. The ears can be made to sit closer to your head, but they will still move when you smile; that’s normal. Find an expert facial plastic surgeon if you want natural results; shortening the nose too much or overbuilding the jaw would not be flattering to your face. I hope this helps.

Q: Is it possible to get a nose just like the models? What kind nose do I have?  

A: Your nose is wider and more bulbous than would be flattering to your face. Although you may not be able to achieve the ideal nose, an expert rhinoplasty surgeon would thin the skin and cartilage from your bulbous tip, plus narrow the nostrils. These improvements would bring you closer to your ideal while still respecting your unique facial anatomy and beauty. The goal of rhinoplasty is never to replicate a celebrity’s nose but to find the very best and most flattering nose shape for you. If you spend the time finding an expert facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty, you won’t have to worry about having a “botched” or “pig” nose; you will have a beautiful nose that harmonizes with and enhances your other features. I hope this helps.

Q: I feel like my nose is pointy and long. I just want the tip to be less pointy and not be as harsh on my face.  What is the most cost-effective and effective treatment for this?

A: Many people have noses that are too long for their face, and which distract from their more attractive and expressive features, such as their eyes. Unfortunately, there are no nonsurgical remedies for shortening the nose. If you would like to keep the surgery to a minimum, you may benefit from a tip refinement, which would shorten and reshape your tip. However, it may be that the most dramatic improvement would require some reshaping of the bridge; an in-person consultation will determine the best course. At that time, you can bring up your concerns about finances and these will be taken into consideration when planning your rhinoplasty. I hope this helps.

Q: Would a button and/or snub nose be a better fit for my face?

A: You have a very cute looking face even with your nose as is. However, the width of your nose and the upturned nostrils are directing attention away from your eyes. The tip and nostrils can be refined so that they are not so prominent.  It would involve defining and de-rotating your nasal tip.  Your new nose won’t be exactly like the noses that are your ideals but it will be one that better flatters your face and lets the viewer’s gaze be directed toward your eyes. I hope this helps.

Q: Ethnic nose surgery. What can be done?

A: Most African American noses have flatter cartilage and thicker skin than Caucasian noses. Therefore, you need to find an expert facial plastic surgeon who has verified experience creating attractive and harmonious noses that are in tune with the patient’s ethnic heritage.

In your case, the dorsal hump can be filed down to make your nose straighter with possible augmentation of the radix.  The tip can also be refined to create more definition. Your profile could also be strengthened with a chin implant, which would make your jawline look more masculine and keep your chin in alignment with your lips. I hope this helps.

Q: I had rhinoplasty 9 days ago and I got a pig nose. I know that I should wait to see the results and it’s too early to judge my nose, but is just too upturned and I don’t think that will ever look nice.

A: I’m sorry you are feeling so frustrated and disappointed after your rhinoplasty. It takes about a year for your nose to fully heal. During that time, as the swelling dissipates, your nose tip should relax. Though it may be difficult to be patient for that long, there is nothing you can do in the meantime except to wait. After one year, if the tip hasn’t dropped enough to please you, a revision rhinoplasty could relax it more. I hope this helps.

Q: 20-year-old with bulbous nose tip.  

A: Your nose is a nice length that flatters your face shape. A rhinoplasty would address the bulbous tip by thinning the skin and narrowing and refining the tip and the nostrils. You may have some discomfort that can be controlled with OTC medication after your procedure, but most of my patients don’t report much if any pain. However, the full recovery time for tip rhinoplasty is the same as for full rhinoplasty: It takes about a year for the swelling to completely subside and your final results to be visible.  I hope this helps.

Q:   I accidentally hit the tip of my nose from a sideways direction pretty hard and now I’m very much concerned whether I have harmed the tip. Is it possible to shift the cartilage in the tip and deviate it? I’m more than 6 months post rhinoplasty.

A: You are still healing after your rhinoplasty and so yes, your nose may be a little more susceptible to damage than usual.  However, the cartilage in the nose is resilient. Its shape doesn’t change easily; that’s why surgeons must break the bone and cartilage to reshape it, rather than just “pressing” it into a new shape.

Keep an eye on your nose tip: If it seems to be swollen or misshapen, then please consult with the facial plastic surgeon who performed your rhinoplasty. Otherwise, you should be fine. I hope this helps.

Q: Why does my nose look wide in the front profile but a perfect shape on a side profile?

A: You’re lucky that you’re happy with one view of your nose. Many people are not. As to why your nose is shaped the way it is, it all comes down to genetics and luck. If you would like to narrow your nose from the frontal view, this can be done through rhinoplasty. I would thin the skin on the tip and sides of your nose, and narrow and refine your nostrils. This would be done without affecting the length of your nose or substantially altering the profile view of your nose.  You need to find someone who is expert in African American rhinoplasty, as the physical and aesthetic considerations can be different than those for Caucasians. You want your nose to be well-formed, harmonize with your face, and respect your ethnic heritage. I hope this helps.

Q: Nose tip too high? I’m sure nose will change with the time but would like other opinions.

A: You are absolutely correct when you say that it is too early, at 9 days, to determine the final look of your nose. It takes the nose about 1 year to heal after rhinoplasty. I know it can be difficult to be patient, but you must try. Evaluating your nose at this point will only frustrate and distress you. If, after 1 year you are dissatisfied with your nose you could look into revision rhinoplasty. But now is not the time to think about that. I hope this helps.

Q: 6 weeks post rhinoplasty — can’t see any change in my bulbous wide-tipped nose.

A: At six weeks, you still have a lot of swelling that must subside before you can see the final results of your rhinoplasty. Sometimes, a nose will even look bigger the first few months after surgery than it did before the rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty takes a long time to heal because it isn’t just the skin that was traumatized: The bone and cartilage must heal as well. The inflammatory response is nature’s way of responding to an injury. Your nose will heal gradually over the next year. Check back in another 11 months and let us know how you feel about your new nose. I hope this helps.

Q: Is my nose deviated?

A: Your photo shows a crooked middle aspect of the nose.  Whether the septum is actually deviated can only be determined by a face-to-face examination. If you are not having any breathing issues, then if there is a deviation it is probably minor. Regardless, you could benefit from rhinoplasty, which would straighten out your nose and improve breathing. If you want to avoid surgery, you might try dermal fillers — to even out the nose — or Botox — if the crooked tip is partially caused by an overactive muscle. As for whether you should get a rhinoplasty or not, the answer depends 100% on you. If your crooked nose bothers you, then you should at least start exploring options to fix it. I hope this helps.

Q: Will the tip drop after 18 / 24 months of rhinoplasty?

A: I’m sorry that you are unhappy with the results of your rhinoplasty. Unfortunately, the upturned look to your nose will not change at this point without surgical intervention. While you could approach your plastic surgeon about doing a revision rhinoplasty, you may also want to explore other facial plastic surgeons who specialize in revisions, as they require even more skill than an original rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty is one of my specialties. Please take your time while doing your research and know that you might need to travel to find the most skilled expert to help you get a more flattering nose shape. I hope this helps.

Q: Want some opinions in maybe a nose job and a facelift to look more youthful and gorgeous?

A: Rhinoplasty would make a big difference in creating a more balanced and beautiful face. I would suggest narrowing and refining your tip. As for the facelift, it is hard to evaluate the degree of sagging you have because all of your photos depict you smiling. I suspect you might do well with just laser resurfacing, which will tighten your skin and create new collagen, plus Botox to control the wrinkles on your forehead and around your eyes. However, I would need to evaluate you in person to be sure. I hope this helps.

Q: Uneven nose/nostrils after rhinoplasty

A: It’s too soon to evaluate your final rhinoplasty results. A nose job is a major procedure that affects the tissues, bone, and cartilage of the nose. It will take about a year until your swelling resolves, at which point your nostrils may even out. If they do not, then yes, you could then begin looking into revision rhinoplasty. This is one of my specialties.

Please note that revision rhinoplasty takes extra expertise because you are now handling scarred tissue and possibly previously broken bones, cartilage, etc. For right now, I would advise patience only. If you don’t start seeing an improvement in the next 10 months or so, then you can begin researching to find the best possible facial plastic surgeon to handle your revision rhinoplasty. I hope this helps.

Q: What needs done (jaw, mouth, nose) to bring proportion and femininity to my profile?

A: Deviated septums are common and can be corrected with rhinoplasty. During that same procedure, I would shorten your nose, remove the hump, and also refine the tip and nostrils to be narrower and less bulbous. This would shift the focal point of your face to your very large and attractive eyes.

As far as your chin is concerned, I don’t think you would benefit from an augmentation; you already have a nearly heart-shaped face (which is considered very feminine) and in profile, your chin is nearly in line with your lips (the ideal placement). You might also consider cheek augmentation to give you more elegant cheekbones and a bit of a lift. I hope this helps.

Q: I want a beautiful petite nose and looking for a doctor who will accept payments, any suggestions?

A: You are a very attractive young woman and the desire you have for a smaller nose that better balances with your features is realistic. However, I caution you against worrying about the cost at this point. First and foremost is to find the absolute best facial plastic surgeon possible – your nose is a central feature in your face and if your rhinoplasty is not well performed, you will not be happy. Take your time interviewing facial plastic surgeons both inside and outside your area to find one whose skill, reputation and expertise inspire confidence. At that point, you can then begin to discuss payment plans and/or begin saving to get your facial plastic surgeon of choice and arrange for travel, if necessary. I hope this helps.

Q: I want to increase the height of the bridge of my nose and decrease the width of my nose.

A: Rhinoplastic surgery (aka, a nose job) is the only way you can affect the changes you desire. To build up your bridge, I would need to use cartilage grafts. Generally, the best grafts come from the nose itself. However, you do not seem to have excess cartilage, which I often remove from humps or excess length. If there is not enough cartilage in the septum to build up the bridge of your nose, I could use cartilage grafts from your ears or, if necessary, ribs. In other words, creating a new bridge is a complex procedure and must be done by someone with tremendous expertise who specializes in facial plastic surgery. Refining the width of your nose also requires skill. Take your time to research the best facial plastic surgeons in the country who are not only experienced with cartilage grafts but also can show you good results with male patients. You may need to travel to find a true expert. I hope this helps.

Q: Am I ugly? Do I need a nose job?  

A: It can be difficult to live in a world that places such a premium on looks – especially since the celebrities whose beauty we admire not only have more symmetrical features than the average person but are also helped by expert lighting and makeup. You are beautiful, but your appearance can be improved by refining your nose. The ideal nose is one that lets the viewer focus on your eyes. The larger a nose is, the more distracting it can be. Your nose could be shortened, straightened and narrowed to shift focus to your eyes, lips and high cheekbones. Start meeting facial plastic surgeons so you can learn more about your options. I hope this helps.

Q: How can I make my nose smaller? It’s too wide and I dislike the bridge.

A: You are a very attractive young woman, even with the nose you have, so I would encourage you not to stress out about your looks or to feel self-conscious. However, you are correct to think that narrowing your nose would make your face look more harmonious and bring out your natural beauty. Your bridge could also be modified, though I don’t think it detracts from your features.

The goal of rhinoplasty is to create a nose that looks natural but is barely noticed so that all attention goes to the eyes, lips and other more attractive and expressive features. Start interviewing facial plastic surgeons to find one whose work you admire, who inspires confidence, and with whom you can discuss in more detail your hopes for surgery and the kind of payment plan that would work for both of you. I hope this helps.

Q: Revision rhinoplasty. Can anybody help to make it a more natural looking nose?

A: At 4-1/2 years, you are well into your final results, so if you are not happy with your nose, then you could consider a revision rhinoplasty. The skin on the tip of your nose could be thinned out and the tip reshaped to make it look less obtrusive. Please understand that revision rhinoplasty is an advanced procedure and it takes an experienced facial plastic surgeon to perform it well because you are dealing with scar tissue and sometimes bone and cartilage that has been previously broken and re-set. Revision rhinoplasty is one of the specialties of my practice. You need to find someone who can demonstrate past good results – particularly on men. I hope this helps.

Q: Is this a realistic nose job (using photoshop) and what would I ask for?

A: You could benefit from a tip revision surgery that would create results like your “wish” photo. It’s important to find a facial plastic surgeon who has expertise in ethnic rhinoplasty because the amount and type of cartilage found in ethnic noses presents unique challenges that require specialized knowledge and experience. Since you are only looking to revise the tip, your surgery could be less invasive and less expensive than full rhinoplasty, but this can only be determined in a face-to-face examination and consultation with a facial plastic surgeon. I hope this helps.

Q: Pushing/pinching/pressing Nose into Certain Direction Can Change Shape?

A: You can’t alter your nose’s shape by merely pressing on it or pinching or pushing it. Think about the amount of pressure it takes to change the position of teeth: orthodontists have to apply a tremendous amount of consistent pressure with braces over a period of years to effect a permanent change. And even the option of a nose “brace” would not actually create a new nose shape: The cartilage that gives the nose its length and much of its shape is resilient and has “memory”: It returns to its original shape over time. If you want to change your nose shape, rhinoplastic surgery is the only way to do it. I hope this helps.

Q: What kind of nose job do I need?

A: You could benefit from a rhinoplasty to make your nose look less prominent on your face from the front and in profile. The tip of your nose is bulbous. The skin can be thinned out and the nose tip lifted slightly and narrowed. From the side, we would make a more flattering curve from your forehead to the nose bridge. A chin implant or a dermal filler such as Sculptra could make your chin stronger, to give you a more defined profile. You might also want to look into slight lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid-based fillers.

When you consult with a facial plastic surgeon, you will discuss in detail all of the procedures that can help you obtain the look you want. You will also discuss price at that point, which can help you plan to save or can lead to a payment arrangement. But the best advice is to just start meeting plastic surgeons until you find one whom you believe will give you the most flattering and natural looking nose. I hope this helps.

Q: 43 and have been self-conscious of my nose my whole life. Am I too old? What’s the most affordable option?

A: I am sorry that you feel self-conscious about your nose and that it has limited your social life. You are not too old at 43 for rhinoplasty. Many of my rhinoplasty patients are decades older than you are. Sometimes it’s lack of funds that keep them from getting the nose of their dreams until later in life. Sometimes they just need time to give themselves permission to make that kind of cosmetic improvement.

The only way to shorten and reshape your nose so that it allows a viewer to focus instead on your eyes is through rhinoplasty. It is not inexpensive, but it can be a great investment in yourself. Reshaping your nose will bring your facial features into better balance. Most rhinoplasty patients feel that a nose job gives them a new lease on life. Start meeting with facial plastic surgeons until you find one who can help you move forward toward this long-held dream. I hope this helps.

Q: I want to refine the tip so it’s smaller (and not as upturned as it is now) and smooth (flatten) out the sides of it.

A: You could get a big improvement in the overall harmony of your facial features by modifying the tip of your nose to make it less bulbous and wide. A tip-refinement rhinoplasty will give you a narrower, more delicate tip that better matches your thin bridge. It will also make your nose less prominent so that the focus goes to your big, blue eyes: That’s the aim of rhinoplasty – to direct focus away from the nose and to our more attractive features. I hope this helps.

Q: I love Megan Fox’s nose! Wondering if I am a good candidate to have nose surgery to get a similar nose? I have been told I don’t need nose surgery.  

A: People are telling you correctly: You have a nice nose, particularly from the profile view. It’s hard to discern if you need any modifications at all because you didn’t provide a full-face photo. As an expert in facial plastic surgery, I always consider the patient’s entire face when making modifications to ensure that their features are harmonious and beautiful. From the front, it looks like your nose could be narrowed to be more delicate, but this may be owing to a distortion in the photograph since you seem to be very close to the camera.

The only way to get a definitive answer to your question is to start meeting in person with facial plastic surgeons who are experts in rhinoplasty. Bring some photos of Megan Fox, but please understand that her nose might not look good on your face at all. A wonderfully done rhinoplasty will make you look like the best you, not like a copy of a celebrity. I hope this helps.

Q: Would I be a good candidate for rhinoplasty? Can my ideal nose, or something close to it, be achieved?

A: If you find someone who has expertise in African-American rhinoplasty, all of the issues you mentioned can be surgically resolved without losing your unique ethnic beauty. To create more definition in the bridge, we would need cartilage grafting and narrowing of the nasal bones. The tip of your nose could be debulked and refined to create more definition.  This is completed by projecting the nose with cartilage grafting.  The cost will vary by location and by the skill of your facial plastic surgeon. You can start your consults now to find the best expert for you, determine what the cost is, and begin saving and/or arranging a payment plan for your rhinoplasty. I hope this helps.

Q: Would rhinoplasty be plausible, and how much would it cost?

A: The dorsal hump on your nose could be shaved down and your tip narrowed and refined during a rhinoplasty. The goal is to create a beautifully shaped nose that harmonizes better with your facial features and pretty much escapes notice: the viewer’s attention should go to your eyes instead. As for the pain you are experiencing, I am not sure what that is or whether a rhinoplasty would help. I suggest that you begin consulting with facial plastic surgeons for a rhinoplasty and with an ENT so that you can be evaluated to see if the nasal pain you are experiencing is related to your nose shape or to some other underlying issue. I hope this helps

Q: What is cheaper: a revision or a second nose job?

A: Five months is way too soon to evaluate the results of your nose job. You are still healing. It takes about an entire year for the nose tissue, bone and cartilage to completely heal. I agree with your surgeon that your nose looks quite good at this point.

If, after a year, you are still dissatisfied, you may look to find someone to help you with a revision. Please note that revisions require even greater expertise than original rhinoplasties, as you now must deal with scar tissue. A “second” nose job would be considered revision surgery. You will need to find an expert if you wish to make any further changes to your nose and may need to travel to find the best one. Choose expertise over affordability when it comes to facial plastic surgery. The only “bargains” worth pursuing are beautiful outcomes. I hope this helps.

Q: Ugly side profile, how to fix?

A: Rhinoplasty (aka a nose job) will remove your bump.; it can be shaven down with nasal rasps. I would also recommend some tip refinement as your tip is slightly bulbous now and your nose is detracting attention from your eyes. As for your profile, your chin has a nice projection. You can remove that stubborn submental fat with a few treatments with Kybella. Kybella is a minimally invasive treatment that uses injections of deoxycholic acid to dissolve fat so it can be permanently eliminated from the body.  Kybella takes 2-5 treatments spaced every six weeks to get ideal results.  Many patients choose to have facial liposuction at the same time as rhinoplasty.  It is a single treatment and would have less downtime than Kybella in your situation.  I hope this helps.

Q: Would rhinoplasty bring more symmetry to my face overall?

A: Though your beard may be adding some volume, the photos you provided seem to show a strong chin that aligns with your lips. So, I would leave the jaw alone. Your nose can be improved by shaving down the dorsal hump, and refining and lifting the tip. This can be accomplished with expertise so that it looks natural and balances with your other features. Find a facial plastic surgeon who can show you good results on male noses that are similar to yours. I hope this helps.

Q: If I get rhinoplasty, can it affect the hole of my nose piercing at all?

A: The exact answer to your question depends on what kind of rhinoplasty you are having. If you are only removing a dorsal hump, for instance, that procedure probably would not affect the placement of your nasal piercing. If you are undergoing tip refinement or narrowing your nose, it’s quite likely that the position of your piercing hole would change. However, you can always re-pierce your nose after surgery or even have it done (and the other hole closed) as part of your procedure. Just be sure to be clear about your hopes and expectations during your consultation with a facial plastic surgeon. I hope this helps.

Q: Everyone thinks I’m crazy for wanting a nose job. But I think it’s so ugly.

A: The only person who should decide whether you need a nose job or not is you. Some people are comfortable with nasal bumps and asymmetry because they feel it gives them character. Others are bothered by a nose whose features are large or distracting enough that it shifts focus from other, more important and expressive features, such as the eyes.

If you are troubled by your dorsal hump, it can be fixed and shaved down with rhinoplasty performed by an expert. An experienced facial plastic surgeon will look at your entire face, examining the balance between your features, to help you design a nose that accentuates your natural beauty and allows you to remain looking like yourself – only better. I hope this helps.

Q: Can these rhinoplasty results be achieved and will removing the hump create more breathing issues than I have already?  I do not want any grafts.

A: The improvements you want for your nose are achievable. Although you say you do not want cartilage grafts, you may need them to add support to your new nose shape. There is no reason to fear grafts; in the hands of an expert they can vastly improve the look of your nose and also add to your long-term satisfaction. As for breathing issues, these can also be addressed during a rhinoplasty. Take your time to find an expert to help you get the results you want. Bring the photos you generated to all of your consultations. I hope this helps.

Q: Is there any hope for fixing my nose? Is there any hope that I could have a nose similar to this?

A: The easy answer to your question is Yes, your nose can be fixed and it can look similar to your ideal nose. The deviated septum will also be fixed during rhinoplasty, which should ease your breathing.

However, bent nose cartilage has “memory” and can sometimes revert to its original shape. For this reason, to correct the crookedness of the tip, the cartilages need to be released from all attachments of the skin and mucosa.  After release, they are locked in place using cartilage grafting and suturing techniques. It is Important for you to find someone who is expert in facial plastic surgery and rhinoplasty who can evaluate your anatomy in depth to find the best solution. I’ve dedicated my entire career to studying the nose and the face.

As for your other issues, the tip of your nose is bulbous so will need refinement with cartilage grafting and suturing techniques. This can bring it quite close to your ideal. An unwanted upturned nose should not happen with an expert. During your consultation, you should also be provided with digital images that will show you what your new nose will look like. Take your time to find the right surgeon. I hope this helps.

Q: When you pay for a rhinoplasty consult, can you expect to be meeting with the actual doctor, not just his nurse?

A: If you are unsure of whether you will be meeting with a facial plastic surgeon during your rhinoplasty consult, then please call the office where you booked the appointment and verify that you will be seen by a physician. I always meet my clients face-to-face so that I can evaluate and measure their nose and facial features, come up with a plan to give them the kind of nose they want that will also be harmonious with their other features to bring out their natural beauty, and answer any questions they have. I believe that it is essential to establish trust and confidence from the first meeting. Other facial plastic surgeons may have other approaches. Find the one who works for you. I hope this helps.


Q: In search of an ethnic cosmetic surgeon who’s experienced in African American rhinoplasty.

A: You are right to begin a search for an expert who understands the unique structural challenges of African-American rhinoplasty. African American noses tend to have thicker skin and weaker tip support than Caucasian noses, which means that surgical techniques vary between ethnic and Caucasian noses.  It takes special interest and study to understand the facial aesthetics to create a nose that is harmonious with your other features and also respects your heritage. Ethnic and African-American rhinoplasty is one of my specialties. My training as a facial plastic surgeon emphasizes an aesthetic approach that takes into account each person’s unique beauty. I also have a great deal of experience creating beautifully shaped noses that maintain a person’s ethnic identity.

In your case, the tip of your nose is bulbous and therefore the skin would need to be de-bulked. I would probably build up the bridge of your nose with a cartilage graft and refine the tip and nostrils. The aim is to create a nose that allows the viewer’s focus to shift to your eyes and lips. The nose should be pleasing but barely noticed. And you should still look like yourself after the surgery – just better.

Recovering from rhinoplasty takes about 1 week. Your nose will continue to improve over the next 12 months. Take the time to find the right facial plastic surgeon and ask them to create digital images of the nose they propose for you. I hope this helps.

Q: Should I get surgery? Or Nose Fillers?

A: I don’t think you would be happy with fillers. Rhinoplasty would be the best solution for you. Right now, your nose is the focal point of your face. A well-shaped nose should not detract from your eyes. In fact, it should be barely noticed.

During your rhinoplasty, the tip of your nose and nostrils can be debulked and reshaped so that they are in better harmony with the rest of your nose. If you are under 18, you will need your parents’ written consent. I hope this helps.

Q: I have been turned down by three doctors due to having very thick skin. Is there any hope?

A: While it is impossible to give you a definitive answer without meeting you in person or at least seeing photographs, most patients with thick skin can undergo rhinoplasty successfully if they work with an experienced facial plastic surgeon and also understand their likely outcome. Thick skin does require additional techniques to refine the tip. During a rhinoplasty, your surgeon will remove some of the bulk of your skin, which should make it easier to work with. If you can’t find a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in your area who has experience performing rhinoplasty on patients with thick skin, you may need to travel to find someone to help you. The cost of traveling, when measured against the cost of years of continued frustration, could be well worth it. I hope this helps.

Q: What kind of nose job is best? My tip is large and my nose looks wide.

A: You are a very nice looking young lady, so please don’t feel too self-conscious about your nose. You are right, though, in believing that reshaping your nose would create better symmetry and balance in your face. As mentioned by my colleagues, you have a slight dorsal hump that could easily be shaved down with nasal rasps. The more complicated part of your procedure would be that which concerns you most: the wide and thick nose tip. This can be improved vastly by an open procedure that removes much of the bulk of the skin from underneath, allowing the nostrils and tips to be more easily reshaped. Tip rhinoplasty, however, is the most complex and difficult part of an already complex surgical procedure. It is even more challenging when thick skin is involved. Please take your time interviewing a number of highly qualified and experienced facial plastic surgeons who can show you the good results they’ve produced with tip rhinoplasty on the thick skin. I hope this helps.


Q: Started pushing my nose to make it smaller but instead of shrinking, it swelled. I want to ask if swelling caused is permanent?

A: You can relax. Not only will the swelling subside, provided you stop manipulating your nose, but you don’t have to keep up a daily routine of pushing your nose to make it smaller. It won’t work. The nose cartilage has “memory,” which means it tends to return to its original shape unless it is altered by surgery or some other trauma, such as being broken. If you want a smaller nose, there’s only one effective way to achieve that goal: through a well-executed rhinoplasty by an expert facial plastic surgeon. If you’re afraid of surgery or don’t think you can afford it, then I would suggest consulting with a few expert surgeons in your area. It may be easier than you think. Certainly easier and more fruitful than trying to do it yourself. I hope this helps.

Q: If I reduce the hump and refine the tip, are my nostrils going to be weird and nose look wide? Seems like a complex surgery in my case, no?

A: You are very attractive and your nose is already in better shape than most people’s. You could use very slight improvements, such as shaving down the small dorsal hump and refining the tip. Your nose is not overly wide and making the changes described will not make your nostrils look larger. However, tip rhinoplasty is a very delicate operation that requires a great deal of skill and a highly developed sense of aesthetics. You will need to take your time shopping around for an expert who can improve your nose and keep it in balance with the rest of your features.

Q: Closed vs. Open rhinoplasty for tip refinement?  

A: It’s understandable that you would feel some trepidation about having open rhinoplasty since you have a tendency to scar. However, there is no need to worry about the skin, not “re-attaching” (I have never seen this happen). Also, the scars are minimal and are hidden inside the nostrils.

If you only want the tip improved, it may be possible to do a closed procedure. The ultimate decision is yours, of course. Meeting in person with a facial plastic surgeon will clarify what options are available to create a nose that is in better harmony with your features, allows focus to shift to your very large and attractive eyes, and yet still retains its unique characteristics. I hope this helps.

Q: Bulbous nose. Is it possible to have a nice shaped nose?

A: Rhinoplasty would vastly improve your nose by modifying the tip so that it is smaller and more refined, plus narrowing and shortening the nose to be in better harmony with your features. Right now, your nose is the center of focus in your face, which is why you are feeling so much distress. The aim of rhinoplasty is to create a well-shaped nose that doesn’t distract at all from your eyes and lips. A beautiful nose is one that is barely noticed.

It’s natural to be nervous about having a surgical procedure. Take your time to find a facial plastic surgeon who alleviates your fears and inspires confidence. I hope this helps.

Q: Can rhinoplasty fix a wide nose? When I smile it flattens out completely and my nose looks really big.

A: First, it is absolutely normal for your nose to look wider when you smile, so please feel free to smile without being self-conscious. However, it does look like your nose would be more flattering to your face — allowing the focus to shift to your eyes — if it were narrower. Rhinoplasty would be a good solution for this. The tip of your nose can be refined and your nostrils narrowed. The aim is to direct the viewer’s gaze to your eyes and create a nose that better harmonizes with your natural beauty. I hope this helps.

Q: Is it possible to refine my nasal tip? I feel that my tip may be too “box-like.”

A: Rhinoplasty is the most meticulous of facial plastic surgeries; tip rhinoplasty is a common procedure in my practice.  The tip of the nose is a highly nuanced structure with varying planes and contours. Although you are a very attractive young woman, your nose is a little wide and can certainly be refined if you wish, but you must take the time to find a facial plastic surgeon who can show you good outcomes for tip rhinoplasty. Also, if you are under 18 you will need your parents’ permission. I hope this helps.

Q: My nose has a small dorsal hump I would like to remove.

A: As you noted, your dorsal hump is relatively small.  It could be conservatively taken down by removing cartilage and bone.  However, because your nose is crooked and veers to the left, we would have to perform an osteotomy (breaking the nose), septoplasty, and cartilage grafting.  The nose could also be shortened a bit and the tip refined to be less downturned. I hope this helps.

Q: What is the best way of removing the hump on my nose?  

A: If the hump is the only thing that is bothering you, it can be removed during a rhinoplasty.  The hump is composed of cartilage and bone.  This would be removed to improve that profile.  After removing, it is likely you will need to move the bones closer together and spreader grafts to support the nose.  If grafting is not placed, the nose risks collapsing over time. I hope this helps.

Q: Is this rhinoplasty result realistic for my nose?

A: Your tip and your nostrils could be narrowed to make your nose look more like your ideal. The length of your nose is already harmonious with your face and should not be changed. The skin and cartilage in African-American noses tend to be thicker than that in Caucasians, so be sure to find a facial plastic surgeon who is an expert in reshaping African-American noses. Your new nose should look beautiful while preserving your ethnic identity.

Q: Am I a good candidate for rhino? Nose and nostrils huge.

A: Your nose is not huge, but it could be reshaped to be more in harmony with your other features – especially from the profile view. Your tip could be lifted slightly to avoid the nose droop you refer to, and the nostrils refined. Your goal is quite attainable. There are plenty of expert facial plastic surgeons in Canada. Please consult with a few and find one who inspires your confidence. I hope this helps.


Q:  Most Natural Approach for an African American Rhinoplasty?

A: People of African descent tend to have thicker skin than Caucasians, so your first step is to find a facial plastic surgeon who has expertise in ethnic rhinoplasty. In your case, I would perform an open rhinoplasty to hide the scars, thin the skin on the tip of your nose, narrow the nostrils, and build out the cartilage on the tip to create a more refined tip. To create more definition in your nose, we would need to bring the nose out farther from the face.  These procedures would make your nose narrower and more delicately shaped so that it doesn’t detract from your eyes and lips, while still preserving your natural beauty and ethnic identity.  

Q: What kind of rhinoplasty would be the best option for me?

A: If you are planning to have facial feminization surgery (FFS), ideally you would have your rhinoplasty performed at the same time, as then you would only have one recovery period. However, I am not sure what other aspects of your face you are hoping to change as your photo only shows your nose; FFS is highly customizable.

The photoshopped goal you provided seems realistic. To accomplish it, your dorsal hump would need to be filed down and the tip of your nose refined. I would need to see you in person and evaluate how your nose balances with the rest of your face to make final determinations on how the surgery would be performed.

Q: My nose is absolutely awful! What procedure I’d need to get done and how intensive it might be.

A: While your nose is large, you are still quite attractive, so I hope that you will not continue to judge yourself so harshly. The goal in rhinoplasty is to bring the nose into better balance with a patient’s face so that their natural beauty shines through. Large noses can be distracting, as you’ve noted. Ideally, a nose should be in such harmony with the face that the focus goes directly to more compelling features, such as the eyes and lips.

In your case, I would remove the large dorsal hump, and refine and elevate the tip of your nose. Reshaping it in this way will improve its look both in profile and from the front. Your face will look more harmonious, shifting the focus to your eyes.

Your rhinoplasty probably would need to be done as an open procedure under general anesthesia. It will take about 3 to 3.5 hours. Because I trained in Beverly Hills with some of the top facial plastic surgeons in the world, I have learned many tricks of the trade to facilitate healing and control bruising as well as obtain beautiful results. It will take about 1 to 2 weeks for your recovery. You will need to wear a splint for the first week. Usually, you can return to most moderate activities within 7 to 10 days. The swelling will dissipate over time, with about 70% resolving by the third week. After one month, you’ll get a good idea of how your new nose will look, but it will take a full year before your final results are visible.

Cost varies by the complexity of the procedure as well as by individual practice. This is something that will be discussed in your consultations with facial plastic surgeons. I hope this helps.

Q: Is it common to need more than one procedure with a nose similar to mine when having Rhinoplasty?

A: The goal of rhinoplasty is to reshape a patient’s nose so that it balances better with the rest of his features. Depending on the case, this may entail several steps in one procedure. Based on your profile photo, for instance, I would remove your dorsal hump, and revise the tip so that it doesn’t droop. I would need to see a frontal photo to determine if there are other issues as well that could be addressed at the same time.

A facial plastic surgeon who is expert in rhinoplasty should be able to reconstruct your nose so that it better balances your face with only one surgical procedure, during which there would be multiple steps to address your various issues. Spend time researching facial plastic surgeons who have successfully revised noses like yours to get the best results. I hope this helps.

Q: Don’t like my nose – doesn’t fit my face, would rhinoplasty fix it?

A: You have a very striking look, but you’re right – your nose isn’t really fitting with your face. The large dorsal hump and over projected tip are stealing focus from the rest of your features. Rhinoplasty would reshape your nose to be more in harmony with the rest of your face. You will need to spend some time researching facial plastic surgeons to find someone who has obtained great results for noses that are similar in shape to yours and who makes you feel confident in his or her abilities. I hope this helps.

Q: Are the attached results realistic for a rhinoplasty? I was given these as a before and after expectation from my rhinoplasty procedure. Is this outcome achievable?

A: In my opinion, this is a realistic result of your rhinoplasty. It’s a great help to use technology to let patients know what the outcome of their procedure might be. However, as a prospective patient, you should not rely solely on these photos to choose your facial plastic surgeon. You still need to look at before-and-after photos of actual patients to get a clear idea of how skilled your facial plastic surgeon is. Something about your consult must have left you feeling doubtful, otherwise, you wouldn’t have posted a question on this site. I’d suggest continuing to consult with facial plastic surgeons until you find one whose actual work gives you 100% confidence. I hope this helps.

Q: Will Rhinoplasty Affect my Singing? To correct a deviated septum, will it affect a person singing?

A: Unless you are in the habit of vibrating mostly in your nasal bones when you sing, rhinoplasty should not alter your voice appreciably. If anything, your voice should sound clearer and, as you might imagine, less “nasally” as the passageway that is now being inhibited by the deviation will be clear. This is an issue you should bring up in your consultation with a facial plastic surgeon, as the answer depends partly on your anatomy and what needs to be done. I hope this helps.

Q: Do I need further tip reduction in your expert opinion?  I had primary rhinoplasty in August 2015, I still feel my nose looks long and the tip is droopy, in your opinion do you think my nose needs revision?

A: The real question is not what we think about your rhinoplasty results, but how you feel about them. The fact that you are posting about it suggests that you are not happy. In my opinion, your nose looks very good. Could the tip be less droopy? Yes. Will a revision rhinoplasty help? That depends entirely on who does it. Rhinoplasty is the most difficult facial plastic surgery to perform well, and tip revision is the most difficult part of a nose job. If the droop bothers you sufficiently to go through a revision, then please dedicate time and energy to finding a phenomenal facial plastic surgeon who has demonstrably excellent results with revision rhinoplasty and tip rhinoplasty. You may need to travel out of state to find the right expert. I hope this helps.

Q: Round Nose and Wide Nostrils (Afro Caribbean) – Am I a Good Rhinoplasty Candidate? I have a very round nose with wide nostrils. The thing is I only want tip refinement surgery because I’m fearful that any other work will completely ruin my face. Do you think that it’s possible to have work done on my tip and perhaps even my bridge without completely changing my nostrils? Do you think a nose job is a good idea for me from what you can see or should I not bother? Oh and if I lift my head slightly you can see all the way up my nose which is very annoying.

A: From your photos, you seem to be an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty. The size of your nostrils can be reduced without changing them drastically and your tip can be refined and narrowed. Please find a facial plastic surgeon who has longstanding expertise in refining noses on people of African descent. There are differences in the quality and amount of cartilage in African and Asian v. Caucasian noses that can significantly affect surgical outcome. Be sure your surgeon has experience with this. I hope this helps.

Q: Can Excessive Cartilage Be Removed Without Breaking the Nose? The only part of my nose I do not like is how big the tip is and how much larger it appears when I smile. I have wanted to have it fixed for 25 years, but I fear to have my nose broken. I am trying to find the best plastic surgeon in Virginia—-please recommend.

A: There are situations where tip rhinoplasty would not require breaking nasal bones or cartilage. However, it is impossible to say without photos or an in-person consultation if this would apply to your case. You can use this site to find board-certified facial plastic surgeons in or around your area. Research their before-and-after photos and their testimonials. Make appointments to talk to a few in person. It may be that your tip can be fixed without addressing the rest of the nose, but it may be that you will need to reshape the entire nose to get the most aesthetically pleasing result. Consulting face-to-face with a facial plastic surgeon will answer your questions and allay your fears. I hope this helps.

Q: Not Satisfied with my Rhinoplasty – Should Surgeon Perform Revision Free as Partially His Fault? I am not happy with my rhinoplasty and I believe that my surgeon did not give me what we spoke about. My nostrils are uneven because the left one still looks swollen and has no definition, where the right nostril turned out fine and fell into its proper position. So they are disproportioned. And I feel that he should perform a quick revision surgery and fix these minor issues for free. Is this something that the doctor should do because he messed up and there is noticeable scar tissue too. HELP!

A: It is difficult to give you a definitive answer without evaluating you in person or at least seeing photographs. If it is less than one year since your surgery, you still have healing to do. You cannot yet evaluate your final results or consider a revision yet. After one year, if you are still unhappy, you can discuss a revision with your facial plastic surgeon. However, some of your dissatisfaction may be related to your own healing process and anatomy – rather than surgical error – and may not be fixable. One caveat: if your unsatisfactory results are actually due to the surgeon’s error, as you suggest, a “free” revision might not be a bargain, as revision rhinoplasty demands even more expertise than the first rhinoplasty.

While I understand your frustration and your wish to avoid spending more money, if you are truly unhappy with your results after you have healed, then maybe you need to work with a different facial plastic surgeon who already has expertise in revision rhinoplasty. You need someone with superb skills. But first, give yourself that year to heal. I hope this helps.

Q: I want a perfect doll nose – help! I want it to look EXACTLY like the picture below! my profile picture is me.

A: The doll nose in the photo has tiny nostrils. This is not a nose that would look good on your face or perhaps even be functional. However, from your profile picture, it does look as if your nose could be narrowed and reshaped to get closer to your ideal while still honoring your unique anatomy and striking natural beauty. A facial plastic surgeon will give you a better idea of what is possible and realistic during your consultation. I hope this helps.

Q: How to Fix a Bent Nose? Hey I’m 21 years old and I have got a bent nose.. but I can’t remember breaking it when I was younger but in pictures from when I was a kid it was straight… how can I fix my nose I really hate it… I’ve been getting bullied since I was a teenager about it please help thanks.

A: I’m sorry that you’ve had to endure bullying simply because of the shape of your nose. Based on your photos, I would recommend rhinoplasty to straighten and shorten your nose as well as to raise and refine the tip to be more in harmony with the rest of your face. Surgery that only straightens the bone may be less than satisfactory as the nasal bones and cartilage have “memory” and tend to return to their original shape over time. Noses are complicated structures that take a great deal of skill to alter well and permanently. You will need to find an expert. I hope this helps.

Q: Beauty Lift High Nose: Scam or Really Works? I ran across an ad for a product called the “Beauty Lift High Nose.” They state that “If you dream of having a more beautiful and higher nose but are afraid of the plastic surgeon then the Beauty Lift High Nose might be for you. Just tick the device on your nose for about 3 minutes per day and your nose will get a more beautiful shape. The Beauty Lift High Nose is supposed to “raise” the bridge of your nose by vibrating and thus “stimulating” the nasal bon[e].”  Are you familiar with this device?  Do you think it can really work?

A: While I am not personally familiar with the “Beauty Lift High Nose,” I have seen other similar products on the market. I have never heard of one that works nor have I encountered any scientific data that backs their efficacy. It is highly unlikely that clamping a device to your nose could permanently alter its shape. Think about dental braces, for instance: It takes several years, many adjustments and a great deal of constant pressure to reposition the teeth. If a pressure device were invented that could change nose shape, it would have to be worn constantly and be adjusted at intervals, just like dental braces. The cartilage and bone also would probably return to their regular shapes once the device was removed, as these structures have physical “memory.” I doubt anyone would choose such an unsightly, uncomfortable and probably unsuccessful ordeal over surgery that takes a few hours to perform and about a year to reveal final, permanent results. If you are unhappy with your nose, please find a facial plastic surgeon who is an expert in rhinoplasty to explore your best options – including impermanent, nonsurgical alterations to the nose with dermal fillers. I hope this helps.

Q: Rhinoplasty or Tip Plasty for Thinner Nose? I’m considering having a procedure to thin my nose. In the pictures, I always turn to the side because my nose looks nice from a side angle, but you can see in my front view my nose is a bit too wide. The bridge isn’t wide though (it’s straight, no bumps) and because I like my side profile I’d like to avoid having my nose broken in surgery. Would a tip-plasty help? I would just ask to make the tip thinner and make it a bit more pointed. Could tip-plasty achieve a more pleasing front view or would I need Rhinoplasty?

A: While I understand your desire to choose the most noninvasive procedure possible to refine the look of your nose, based on the photo provided you could consider a tiplasty.  The tip is not a discrete structure; it depends on other structures — including the bridge of your nose, which seems a bit wide. The best course of action is to find a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty and spend some time consulting about what you want and which procedures will be needed to create that outcome. You will need to find an expert. I hope this helps.

Q: Can my Healed Broken Crooked Nose Only be Straightened via Surgery? Hi. About 6 months ago I believe I broke my nose. There was a crack and a little swelling. It was only made a little crooked though, and since I’m young and uninsured I didn’t go to the doctor. About a month ago I fell and my nose became more crooked. On the left side it’s risen and has a bump, giving the appearance that my nose isn’t straight. My breathing isn’t affected, but I don’t want to live with the way my nose now looks. Can a doctor rebreak and straighten my nose, or is surgery only option?

A: I’m sorry that your nose has been damaged twice in just six months. Re-breaking and re-setting your nose is actually considered surgery and is a normal part of the rhinoplasty procedure. A facial plastic surgeon who has expertise in reshaping noses can take a look and advise you on your best course. I hope this helps.

Q: Large Nose and Weak Facial Structure, what are my options?  My main concern is my nose. All of my features are smaller, its large, bulbous appearance is jarring, takes up too much space. How small and shapely can I realistically expect to make it? Would the excess skin exacerbate the saggy look? I also feel like the shape of my face is overall unattractive and flat. The oval shape, diminutive cheekbones, and uneven, weak jaw are what I’m most concerned about. Should I look into V-line or 2 Jaw surgery? Fat transfer or implants to my upper cheeks and jaw?

A: Rhinoplasty can help refine the shape of your nose to make it harmonize better with your features. You can use facial fillers to even out your jawline. Please work with a professional, as rhinoplasty is a very complex and delicate procedure. I hope this helps.

Q: Is there any way to reduce my nose size horizontally?  Other than that if I wanna do more than one thing like get rid of a hump, get a bit pointy sharp nose and a bit upward pointy. Is that gonna add to my cost of surgery?

A: An experienced facial plastic surgeon can reshape your nose to get rid of the hump, refine the tip and elevate it, too, if that is what you wish. The cost will vary by practitioner. I hope this helps.

Q: Will Nose Continue to Grow After Nose Job? I’m getting a nose job this Friday and my doctor didn’t really talk to me much about it. The only part I’m nervous about is if my nose will continue growing even after the surgery? I’m 15 years old.

A: We typically do not perform rhinoplasty on anyone until after their nose has already finished growing. That would be around age 14 to 16 for a girl and about age 15 for a boy. Now, as we age, our noses do sometimes appear elongated owing to the downward-pulling effect of gravity over many decades. However, they are not actually growing. I hope this helps.

Q: I have this bump in the top portion of my nose & it drives me crazy. When I run my fingers from the top of my nose down the bump or weird bone is on the left side of my nose where it narrows towards the top closer to my eyebrows. I have posted a picture but i am curious to find HOW i can get rid of it & whats the easiest way. It kind of looks bruised at times and i don’t understand it at all. 

A: The bump you describe is a common problem and can be removed by a facial plastic surgeon who has expertise in rhinoplasty. It will be filed down from within the nose, which means there will be no visible scars on the outside of your nose. Rhinoplasty is a complex cosmetic surgery, so please choose your expert carefully. I hope this helps.

Q: I want to have a rhinoplasty, but I sneeze a lot and I have a runny nose (allergies) is it safe to sneeze/cough/blow my nose after rhinoplasty?

A: Blowing your nose or sneezing during the first few weeks after rhinoplasty could cause bleeding and/or swelling. You can learn to cough and sneeze with an open mouth, which can relieve some of the pressure and minimize the risk for side effects. Talk to your allergist to see if you can find a way to better control your symptoms after your procedure so that you can avoid blowing your nose. Also do let your facial plastic surgeon know what medications you are on, as they could affect the degree of bleeding, swelling, etc. I hope this helps.

Q: My Nose is Too Wide I Want my Nose To Be Pointy but with a Drooping Tip Like Middle Eastern; is this possible?  

A: There are structural differences in the cartilage and skin that would make it impossible to transform an African-American nose into a Middle-Eastern type nose. However, the shape of your nose can be modified to better suit your lovely face by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has expertise in ethnic rhinoplasty. This will be accomplished by narrowing your nostrils and refining the tip of your nose. An in-person consultation will give you a better idea of what your results will be. I hope this helps.

Q: I have a very small feminine face, however, I have a nose that looks terrible from the profile. I have a huge dorsal bump. I’m okay with how it looks in the front BUT I would like the top brought up a little bit maybe with a lip lift in conjunction. I would really like it to be slightly upturned with ski slump so I am seeking a surgeon who isn’t afraid to do slightly aggressive work. I’m looking to get this done within the next few months.

A: Your goals to reshape your nose are realistic. When you are evaluated in person by a facial plastic surgeon, you will get a better idea of what the final results will be. A well-performed rhinoplasty will reshape your nose to better harmonize with your natural beauty. I hope this helps.

Q: My nose is very round at the tip and protrudes significantly, I do not mind the bump on the bridge but a dislike how wide my nostrils are when I smile. I’m not a massive fan of my jaw also when I smile. My skin is dry so excuse my chapped lips and I was recently bitten by a mosquito so excuse the redness. I am in my 20s so my face has stopped growing but as you can see my appearance without makeup is very young.

A: You can certainly improve the shape of your nose and nose tip with a well-performed rhinoplasty. Reshaping the tip is common during a rhinoplasty.  Imaging morphing is a valuable tool to communicate with your surgeon.  I hope this helps.

Q: Is there corrective surgery for a twisted/asymmetrical nose like this?

A: If it has been less than one year since your rhinoplasty, your nose might still be recovering and you should not yet judge your final results. If it has been more than one year, then revision rhinoplasty is your best option to improve the asymmetry. You will likely need cartilage grafting or reposition of cartilage to improve the nasal symmetry.  You will need to find a facial plastic surgeon who has expertise in revision rhinoplasty, as this is an intricate procedure. I hope this helps.

Q: What kind of nose surgery is recommended for my crooked nose?

A: You look as if you would be a good candidate for a rhinoplasty,  There are many causes of a crooked nose and a full evaluation will help to explain what steps you would need to take.  You likely have a deviated septum that is contributing to the crookedness of your nose that will need to be straightened.  Rhinoplasty is a very intricate and detailed oriented procedure.  I hope this helps.

Q: How to Fix Hereditary Crooked Nose?

Is there any way to fix a hereditary crooked nose? I know it’s hereditary because my mom’s nose is exactly the same, but she can put makeup and play with the shadows. It’s like the bone on the bottom because it seems like the bone on one side is bigger and one side smaller, so like my whole nose is crooked.

A: A crooked nose is a common indication for a rhinoplasty. In reviewing your pictures, you have crooked nasal bones and cartilage.  Both bone and cartilage are manipulated during a rhinoplasty to straighten the nose.  Please consult with several facial plastic surgeons before settling on the best one to help you. I hope this helps.

Q: I got kicked in the nose when I was 16 and it healed crooked. What Can I Do About my Crooked Nose?

When I was 16, I got headbutted horse-playing around and I had to push my nose back into place because it was crooked. The doctor said it was not broken–just swollen; but after swelling went down it started to heal crooked. It seems to be pushed to one side more than the other. What can I do?

A: The asymmetry of your nose should improve greatly with rhinoplasty. This will require breaking and resetting the bone and cartilage grafting.  It is likely you have a deviated septum that will need to be straightened to get the best results.   You could consider a non-surgical rhinoplasty to camouflage the crookedness of the nose.  It would be a good temporary option. I hope this helps.

Q: How do you fix a nose with a bulbous tip?

A: Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult facial plastic surgery procedures and refining the tip is the most complex part of rhinoplasty. In the case of a bulbous nose tip, this can be caused by a variety of factors, but usually starts with cartilage that is broad and too widely spaced. I would usually approach this is an open manner, shave down the cartilage and suture it together. If the overlying skin is very thick, it will need to be thinned.  At times the cartilage is mal positioned and overly curved.  In this case, the cartilage will need to be reoriented and straightened with cartilage grafting.

The exact procedures necessary will depend on the patient’s anatomy and what he or she hopes to achieve. Whether the patient is Caucasian, African-American, Asian, or another ethnicity may also influence the surgery, as anatomy and cartilage composition can vary considerably among the races. Please find a facial plastic surgeon with expertise in tip anatomy. I hope this helps.

Q: Is it possible to find a doctor make your nose look like your favorite celebrity or anyone you like? Is it possible to find a doctor make your nose look like your favorite celebrity or anyone you like their nose?

A: While you may wish to have a nose like a favorite celebrity, the aim of a well-done nose job is to reshape the nose so that it better suits your own face, harmonizes with your features, and allows your natural beauty to shine through. You can use the celebrity nose as a reference when you are consulting with a facial plastic surgeon. He or she can then discuss with you how realistic your desires are. The point is to look your best – not to try to look like someone else. I hope this helps.

Q: Rhinoplasty For Crooked Nose More Painful and Costly?

A: Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult and complex cosmetic plastic surgeries to perform. Fixing a crooked nose could require breaking bones and/or resetting the cartilage, but this is actually a standard part of most rhinoplasties. Rhinoplasty, in general, is not a painful procedure.  Cost of a rhinoplasty vary greatly based on the experience and reputation of the doctor.  I hope this helps.

Q: How Long Does Nose Job Last and Does It Need “Keep Up”?

A: When performed expertly, a nose job will last a lifetime. A typical natural nose will age over time.   During the aging process, the nose tends to droop and elongate over time.  During a properly executed rhinoplasty, the nose is strengthened and will age better than the unoperated nose.  A properly performed rhinoplasty should not require any maintenance over time. I hope this helps.

Q: Celebrity nose jobs: are they better than what anyone can get?

A: Celebrity is certainly no guarantee of a good facial plastic surgery outcome. We have all seen some of the disastrous results of celebrities whose plastic surgery has gone horribly awry. Celebrities are prone to the same frailties we all have, such as bargain shopping or believing the hype about the plastic surgeon of the moment. Trusting your face to a facial plastic surgeon means that – whoever you are – you need to do extensive research by looking at their websites, verifying credentials, meeting several prospects in person, speaking to former patients, and finding someone you connect with and trust.

People from all walks of life, in every area of the country, and of all incomes have successfully found fantastic facial plastic surgeons to help them. Although an expert may charge more than a “bargain” surgeon, most facial plastic surgeons can work out a payment plan that matches your budget so you can get the best “Hollywood” rhinoplasty you desire – wherever you are.

Q: I have a very long and projected nose that I would definitely like to correct and a bit of an under projected chin. Any suggestions?

A: While your chin is slightly under-projected, you may feel that it looks more harmonious once your nose has been shortened and reshaped. This is something you can discuss with your facial plastic surgeon on the initial consult. If you do decide for a chin augmentation, it is easily accomplished at the same time you are having your rhinoplasty. I hope this helps.

Q: Can I get a surgery (nose job) to get a nose like a celebrity? I am looking to get a rhinoplasty done but I’m concerned of what I need to look like. Can I show the Doctor a picture of a celebrity to kind of show what I am looking to get?

A: You can use the photos of a celebrity when you consult with your facial plastic surgeon to give him/her an idea of the look you are trying to achieve. However, your nose is unique and the surgeon is going to need to create a nose that is in balance with your facial features. The purpose of a nose job is to create a nose that is in balance with your features and will enhance your natural beauty. The best way to communicate the goal result is with imaging morphing software.  That’s why finding a surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetics is so important for this kind of advanced cosmetic procedure. I hope this helps.

Q: Hello I have had two surgeries so far many years back 1998 and 2001. Unfortunately, I am left with a hanging columa and septum all the way pushed to the right nostril. Not sure if mine would be an easy fix or not and wondering about approx prices…

A: I am sorry for your unfortunate and frustrating results. A revision rhinoplasty might be able to straighten your septum, but this depends on part on the quality of your cartilage, as your ENT pointed out. Because you have already had two rhinoplasties, I would caution you to seek expertise over price. A bargain that doesn’t achieve desired results is no bargain. Revision rhinoplasty is even more difficult than original rhinoplasty, and few facial plastic surgeons have expertise in this area. Price will vary by location and the individual facial plastic surgeon. I hope this helps.

Q: Can I make my nose more narrow at the front without changing the profile? My is not really flat, just wide and big all over. From the front, I feel my nose looks too prominent on my thin face. I would like to maintain a natural look, if my nose gets narrower will it make my profile view look even bigger on the bridge? Is there an option for me?

A: Rhinoplasty Can Narrow Nose Without Changing Profile. Your nose can be made to look narrower and the tip refined without affecting the look of the nose in profile. You will need to find an expert in ethnic rhinoplasty, as the type and composition of cartilage can differ significantly from that in Caucasians and will affect the procedure. I hope this helps.

Q: I want to know if nose tip refinement is adequate for my nose. I am happy with the bridge, but the end is too bulbous. Also, I want an upper lip lift, should this be done afterward?

A: Rhinoplasty is the most challenging of any facial plastic surgery. The tip of the nose is highly structured and nuanced. In your case, you have the extra challenge of very heavy and coarse skin and cartilage at the tip of your nose, which requires additional expertise to revise naturally and beautifully. That said, your nose tip can be reshaped to be more harmonious with your face while leaving the bridge as is. Any procedures on your lips can be done at the same time. I hope this helps.

Q: Is this a reasonable result or should I seek a revision?

A: There is a definite improvement in your nose’s shape. However, the nostrils appear to be asymmetrical. Generally, full results of rhinoplasty are not visible for a year after surgery, so give it a few more months. As to whether you need a revision, that’s up to you. If you are still unhappy with your nose in three months, can look into your options for a revision rhinoplasty.  I would consult with a few doctors that specialize in revision rhinoplasty surgery. You can discuss costs at that time. I hope this helps.

Q: Will more feminine nose work on a face with dominant features? Does changing the centerpiece mean changing everything? I have always wanted a smaller, more feminine nose…but my husband has stated that changing my nose in any way would throw the symmetry in my face. Can I make my nose less dominant (remove the small bump, trim, reduce its profile and my nostrils, etc.)? Will my face still “make sense” or will changing my nose (making it more feminine) cause my face and other features too appear “off”? Does changing my nose mean a series of other surgeries (that I do not want)? Thank you for your expertise!

A: The purpose of rhinoplasty or any well-performed and thoughtful plastic surgery is to enhance the face as is, creating a more balanced and harmonious look. The result should be natural and should work with your face, not against it. There are a number of changes that can be made to your nose while maintaining the beautiful strength of your natural features. Other surgeries should not be necessary to keep your face in balance with your new nose. I hope this helps.

Q: The tip of my nose has a rounded look is it possible to reduce the size of skin at the top of my nose tip?

A: Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult plastic surgeries to perform, mostly because the tip of the nose is a highly complex, multi-planed structure. To revise the tip of your nose to make it more pointed and defined, you need to spend time finding a facial plastic surgeon with specialized training in facial aesthetics and long experience with a tip rhinoplasty. I hope this helps.

Q: Nose too big for my small face? I feel my nose overpowers my face. Can someone help me with this insecurity of mine?

A: Making your nose shorter and narrower while keeping it in harmony with the rest of your face requires a knowledge of some of the anatomical variations that exist across ethnicities. You can have a smaller, narrower nose that is still in harmony with your unique beauty and ethnicity, but you need to spend time finding a facial plastic surgeon who has a lot of experience working with African American noses. Here is a set of Before-after-photos that you may find useful: https://carolinafacialplasticsurgery.com/before-after-photos/african-americanrhinoplasty/. I hope this helps.

Q: I’m very keen to have a nose job. Although I like it from the front, would it change the whole look if I had surgery?

A: A well-performed nose job results in a nose that is in better balance with your features and is flattering from all angles. While shortening your nose will give you a slightly different look from the front, if you like the tip as is, it can be left alone. When you consult with a facial plastic surgeon who has been trained in facial aesthetics, you will discuss your ideal rhinoplasty outcome and learn about what will look best on you. You can use these Before-after-photos as a guide

Q: I am looking to get a rhinoplasty done but I’m concerned of what I need look like. Can I show the Doctor a picture of a celebrity to kind of show what I am looking to get?

A: You can use the photos of a celebrity when you consult with your facial plastic surgeon to give him/her an idea of the look you are trying to achieve. However, your nose is unique and the surgeon is going to need to create a nose that is in balance with your facial features. The purpose of a nose job is to create a nose that is in balance with your features and will enhance your natural beauty. The best way to communicate the goal result is with imaging morphing software.  That’s why finding a surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetics is so important for this kind of advanced cosmetic procedure. I hope this helps.

Q: Is this a reasonable result or should I seek a revision?

A: There is a definite improvement in your nose’s shape. However, the nostrils appear to be asymmetrical. Generally, full results of rhinoplasty are not visible for a year after surgery, so give it a few more months. As to whether you need a revision, that’s up to you. If you are still unhappy with your nose in three months, can look into your options for a revision rhinoplasty.  I would consult with a few doctors that specialize in revision rhinoplasty surgery. You can discuss costs at that time. I hope this helps.

Q: How to pick the right plastic surgeon? I might be going for rhinoplasty, and I’m worried about finding the right one which is normal because they are molding my facial features.

A: You are wise to be concerned about finding the right surgeon for a major procedure like rhinoplasty, which requires deftness, delicacy, and experience. Below is a guide I’ve prepared that will help you find the right facial plastic surgeon for the job, plus prepare you in other ways to have the most gratifying outcome. I hope this helps.

Q: Rhinoplasty for nose shape change; can we get any shape nose? Can we get any shape nose?

A: It is not possible to get any kind of nose shape during rhinoplasty. First, the anatomic structures of your nose will limit what is possible, depending on how much or how little cartilage you have, the thickness of your skin, and the shape of your tip. Second, there are many nose shapes that may look good on others but would not be flattering to you. The goal is to shape your nose so that it is harmonious and balanced with the rest of your face. I hope this helps.

Q: Perhaps this is a silly question, but will rhinoplasty change my voice? No bragging here but I do sing well and I use my voice for work (radio reporter) and I was wondering if it would change if I have work done. I have a bulbous tip that I would like to have refined. I’ve just started researching doctors and will schedule consultations soon but this question keeps popping up.

A: Your concern is valid, as you make your living through your voice. However, I agree with most of my colleagues here that the change you want to make should not affect your voice unless it is particularly nasally, in which case it could be improved. Revising the tip is actually a quite complex surgery to perform, so be sure to spend time finding the right board-certified facial plastic surgeon. I hope this helps.

Q: My face looks different on every side/angle. Will a nose job change that? I am noticing that in every photo i take, I look completely different. I am wondering if my large nose is a big contributor to that. I have been contemplating a nose job for years. My nose is very large at the bottom and I believe it makes me look aggressive. The bottom of it has definitely gotten bigger over the years. I also think my eyes are a little uneven, and I wonder if that has to do with my nose too. Also, if you recommend any surgeons in NYC, please give details below.

A: While you do not seem to have more than the usual amount of facial asymmetry, a large nose may throw off the balance of the face. Reshaping your nose to be more proportionate and in harmony with your face may be all you need to feel more confident of your natural beauty. I’ve included before-and-after photos of a teen patient who had rhinoplasty on an asymmetric nose. As for looking different in every photo, a lot of that has to do with lighting and how close you are to the camera’s lens. I hope this helps.

Q: I had an open rhinoplasty one week ago and right after surgery my nose looked like my ideal size. However, now it looks bigger and almost bigger than before my rhinoplasty. I’m aware that it takes up to a year for the final results and the size and shape will change as the swelling goes down but how much smaller can I expect it to get? Will it go back down to the smaller size right after surgery? I’m very happy with the shape it is just much bigger than I expected.

A: The size of your nose that you noticed directly after surgery is approximately the size it will be once the swelling you are currently experiencing subsides. Swelling is the body’s normal reaction to trauma or injury, as white blood cells and fluids accumulate in the area in an attempt to repair the injury. The process takes some time, which is why your nose looked smaller directly after surgery than it does now. The initial swelling also takes time to subside – but by the third week most patients see a reduction of 60%.

As you noted, it can take up to a year for all of the swelling to subside and for the full and optimal results of your rhinoplasty to be apparent. I understand your eagerness to know what you will look like. However, you can’t rush your body.  It can take longer for the swelling to subside if you have thick skin or a revision surgery. Just be patient and if you have any other questions, always feel free to contact the board-certified plastic surgeon who performed your rhinoplasty. I hope this helps.

Q: Hey so I have been reading about this new procedure a non-surgical nose job. Can a non-surgical nose job make your nose appear sharper? What are the risks of this procedure and what will be injected into the nose? Which procedure is safer to do and more worth it in the end?

A: Nonsurgical rhinoplasty is performed by injecting hyaluronic fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane into the nose to even out bumps, add volume to the nose, and define the tip. However, the fillers cannot shorten your nose, nor can they significantly alter its form. The fillers last about a year. Side effects include temporary redness, tingling, swelling and bruising.

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty can either be your permanent (though ongoing) solution or an easy way to test out your new look until you are ready for surgery. In the hands of a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, surgical rhinoplasty should not result in any side effects greater than temporary bruising, swelling, redness and discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. It can take up to a year until you see your full and optimal results.

All surgical and non-surgical procedures have risks.  Please discuss all risk during your consultation.

Q: It has been pointed out to me that my nose slants towards one side noticeably – I have noticed it before but considering I have some asymmetry anyway and my nose is quite small I thought it wouldn’t be possible to fix. But I know noses are never perfectly straight anyway – is this something that could be improved or with this type of straightening is it better to leave it if the outcome is unpredictable after – i.e cartilage memory and nose was never straight before

A: While many people think of rhinoplasty merely as a means of shortening an overly large nose, it can be used to resolve a number of aesthetic issues, including a slanting nose. The purpose of rhinoplasty is to create a nose that is symmetrical and works in harmony with your natural beauty. If you are troubled by a nose that looks off center, rhinoplasty may be the right decision for you. I hope this helps.

Q: What’s the difference in nose jobs for westernized, caucasian noses and for an Asian (Korean, Chinese, etc). Is the technique used in Asian rhinoplasty special? It what ways does the Asian nose anatomy differ from other noses? I think some doctors call the procedure “Oriental Rhinoplasty” too.

A: Asian noses tend to have:

  1. Weak bridge or dorsum

  2. Bulbous tip

  3. Wide nostrils

  4. Thick Skin

Each ethnicity has its own cultural ideas of beauty that must be appreciated and enhanced with any plastic surgery procedure that is performed. If you are interested in ethnic rhinoplasty that respects your cultural identity, please take the time to find a professional who has experience in this area. I hope this helps.

Q: What is the typical rhinoplasty recovery like?  What can I expect?  How long after a nose job does it take to heal and how long before you can go back to work, the swelling goes down, etc?

A: Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure and therefore the body requires time to heal and adjust until the final results can be seen. To facilitate a quicker recovery, I recommend taking herbal supplements such as Arnica Forte and Bromelin, which helps prevent swelling and bruising after surgery. I also recommend discontinuing blood-thinning agents, such as aspirin, alcohol, fish oil and multivitamins, for weeks before the surgery and several weeks afterward.

Postoperative pain is usually not severe and can be controlled in most instances with over-the-counter painkillers. One week after surgery, the stitches are removed. Some patients may elect to return to work and light activities at this time. Others wait another week. You can begin exercising lightly after 2 weeks and wear glasses at 6 weeks.

You will be able to estimate your end results at the one-month mark. After a year, all swelling should have subsided, and you will be able to see how beautifully your new nose harmonizes with the rest of your facial features.

Q: Removing Nose Bump Without Breaking the Nose? I am 20 years old and I have always felt insecure about the bump on my nose. I have been reading a lot about Nose surgery and I have heard people just getting it filed down without having to break the nose. What is this called? What is the procedure? And what are the estimated costs?

A: Every nose and every face is different. Although some patients have a small enough bump on their nose that it can be filed down, how I treat the nose depends on what will look best on the patient, not what is easiest. I hope this helps.

Q: I have had the worst rhinoplasty i could possibly had. I am a 20-year-old male who had a medium long attractive nose. And considered by most to be very good looking. Then i had made the stupidest decision under-going rhinoplasty (for small bump) and septoplasty.  Now my nose is sooo small,no bridge and very big nostrils. I have been waiting for revision rhinoplasty 4 7 months and can’t wait any longer. I haven’t seen any of my friends for six months,i have been hiding and traveling far from home to work. And life is really hard. Researching rhinoplasty i haven’t even seen any good nose work And i am really concerned. And i am very desperate and worked hard to save up day and night.

A: First, I am sorry that you are unhappy with the outcome of your rhinoplasty. The nose is the central feature of the face, and it is important that you feel confident about how it looks. Rhinoplasty is a very complex surgery owing to the nuanced three-dimensionality of the nose. Postoperatively, it takes up to a year for swelling to subside completely and the real results of the surgery to be apparent. Please allow yourself sufficient time to heal before undertaking another procedure. In the meantime, you can research the best surgeon possible for any revisions you may need so that you will be happy with the outcome. I hope this helps.

Q: I Have A Wide, Flat Nose. Can It Be Changed?  I have been very unhappy with my nose for several years now and have wanted rhinoplasty for about a year and a half. I don’t want just a thinner nose, I want it to be completely different. Thinner and instead of being flat I would like it to have a point to it. With that being said, because my nose is so wide and big, is it going to be harder and more dangerous for me to get rhinoplasty? Will the recovery process take longer?

A: African-American rhinoplasty is a subspecialty that requires extra care, training and expertise. To give your nose more definition and make it look less flat, the surgeon will take cartilage from another area of your body, such as:

  1. The nasal septum
  2. The ear
  3. A rib

This would be used to build up your nasal bridge and support reconstruction of the nose so that the improvements obtained during surgery would be maintained throughout your lifetime. During your rhinoplasty procedure, the tip of the nose would be reshaped to give it more of the “point” that you desire. This is done by bringing the tip of your nose out farther from the face, thinning the nasal skin, and reshaping the nasal tip cartilages.  The nasal bones and width of the nostrils are wide.  They will be made slimmer with nasal osteotomies and alar base reduction.  Rhinoplasty should improve the shape of your nose while preserving its unique ethnic qualities and keeping it in harmony with the rest of your face.

Q: What is the Ideal Age for a Rhinoplasty? What would be the ideal age to get a Rhinoplasty? I’m 15 and really looking forward to getting a nose job done, and have many friends who got one and had good results. I’m not sure if I should have it done now.

Answer: The golden rule for rhinoplasty is to be sure that the patient has reached full physical growth. That may be anywhere from 15 to 17 for a girl and 16 to 18 for a boy. However, it can vary from case to case, as people develop at different rates. In addition, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon will also want to evaluate you psychologically. Surgically altering your nose is a permanent change and cannot be reversed. I would want to make sure that this is something you are doing for yourself and your own sense of aesthetics, rather than through peer pressure or because you are hoping to reach an unrealistic ideal.

Because my training focuses on creating a more harmonious face that accentuates your natural beauty, I always meet with patients of all ages for an in-depth consultation so that they understand the full implications of the procedure, develop realistic expectations for outcome, and are happy with the results.

I hope this helps.

Q: How Do Noses Change Shape?
Hi I’m 24 years old and I wanted a nose job for ever. I’m a thin and short person everyone tell me that my nose appears to be to big for my face because of the shape and size of my face. Will my nose change if I gain weight with or without rhinoplasty? Any help or advice you can give will be great!:) thanks

A: While the proportions of your face may change if you gain weight and that might create the illusion that your nose is smaller, noses do not change shape with weight gain or loss as they do not contain fat tissue. If you feel that your nose is disproportionate to your face, it might be that you need augmentation in another area – such as the chin – to balance out the length of your nose. Or, it could be that rhinoplasty is your best solution.

I hope this helps.

Q: Are there any non-surgical procedures to make my nose smaller, or is surgery my only option?

Answer: The purpose of rhinoplasty or any cosmetic procedure is to create a symmetrical, harmonious appearance to the face. In cases where the nose has small defects – for instance, an indentation, bump or sharp angle – I will use dermal fillers such as Restylane or Juvéderm to even out the depressions and make the nose look smoother and more balanced. These injectables can last for up to a couple of years. However, they cannot decrease the length of the nose.

If your main concern is avoiding surgery, the photo you provided shows that you might benefit by having a board-certified facial plastic surgeon augment your chin with fillers or even collagen stimulators such as Sculptra or Radiesse. This would create a profile that is more in harmony with your nose at its present length. However, if you are most interested in shortening your nose, then rhinoplasty is your best option.

Q: Can a Bulbous Nose Be Reduced Without Looking Weird or Changing Your Look

Answer: The nose is the center of the face but should not distract from other features. During rhinoplasty, a bulbous nose will be subtly reshaped so that your face appears more harmonious, but you should still look like yourself. Plastic surgery should bring out your natural beauty, not work against it. A rhinoplasty should make a great improvement of your nose.  I believe taking this approach results in a natural result.

Q: Can a bulbous nose be reduced without looking weird or changing your look?

A: Absolutely, as long as you visit an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon with an understanding of how to make subtle changes in order to create a natural, harmonious look. The goal of a nose job is not to create an entirely different nose, but rather to refine the patient’s current nose into something that balances well with the rest of their facial features in order to create a natural, attractive appearance. I hope this helps.

Q: I had a rhinoplasty several days ago, and recently I noticed that the tip of my nose is very elevated and doesn’t look natural. Will it drop? When can I expect it to look right?

A: It is common following rhinoplasty surgery for the tip to look elevated. Be patient and wait for the swelling to go down and the tip to settle into place before judging your results. You should be able to see initial results around 3 months, while final results may take up to a year. I hope this helps.

Q: The front of my nose looks bulbous and rounder than desired 8 days after rhinoplasty. Is this normal swelling or is it botched?

A: 8 days after surgery, it is common for the nose to be very swollen. You should not judge your final results so soon. It is common for the tip to be the most swollen and take the longest to heal.  You will begin to see an improvement in your nose over the next couple of weeks.  Keep in mind that it may take up to a year to see 100% of the swelling disappear. I hope this helps.

Q: Is it ok for a 19-year-old girl to have rhinoplasty?

A: As long as you are psychologically prepared for the surgery, have good reasons to want it, and are either over the legal age of majority in your country or have parental permission, then it is fine to have a nose job at 19 years old. I have performed rhinoplasty procedures on girls as young as 14 who met all the requirements and were good candidates. Please see a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for a consultation before deciding to embark upon this surgery. I hope this helps.

Q: Does “Nose Up” work? It’s a silicone nose shaping grip that’s supposed to lift the tip a little.

A: These types of devices do not work to change the shape of the nose long-term, as they do not impact the underlying anatomy of the nose. If you want to change the shape of your nose tip, a rhinoplasty procedure is the best way to do it. Tip rhinoplasty is a fairly short procedure, nor does it require the nose to be broken to undergo the procedure. I recommend seeing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for a consultation rather than spending money on devices such as “Nose Up.” I hope this helps.

Q: Do noses change shape with weight gain?

A: The nose does not change shape or size at all due to weight gain. Significant weight gain can change the appearance of facial features, which may impact how you see your nose, but the nose itself will not change. The only way to change the appearance of a nose after it has stopped growing is through surgery. Temporary fillers can also be used to create a new nose shape, although these do not change the underlying structure of the nose and cannot be used to make the nose smaller. I hope this helps.

Q: Is it possible that my nose is growing larger with age? I’m 24 years old and I’ve been worried that my nose is getting bigger.

A: While the nose can “lengthen” due to the tip drooping with age, at 24 years old this is not likely to be the case. The nose does not continue to grow after you reach adulthood. If you are dissatisfied with your nose, please see a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for a consultation to see what options you have. I hope this helps.

Q: Is having your splints removed after rhinoplasty painful?

A: Generally, removing the splints following a rhinoplasty is more uncomfortable than painful. Patients may want to take an over the counter painkiller if worried about pain or if they have a low pain tolerance.  I use small silicone splints inside of the nose.  I feel these are the best tolerated by patients and are not painful to remove.   Speak with your surgeon about your concerns before your splint removal appointment. I hope this helps.

 

Q: I’m 2 weeks post rhinoplasty, and while I was pleased with my results when the bandage was removed 5 days ago, now it seems like my nose is larger and no one can tell the difference. Should I be concerned?

A: Two weeks after a rhinoplasty, it is very common to still have some swelling. Swelling following a rhinoplasty can last for several months, with the last 10% of swelling sometimes remaining for up to a year. Since you are still so early into your healing process, there is no reason to be concerned. Be patient and wait for the swelling to go down, and you will likely be pleased with the results. Do not expect everyone to notice your new nose, especially if you didn’t tell them about it; rather concentrate on your healing process. I hope this helps.

Q: Can I still get a rhinoplasty if I have hay fever?

A: While it is possible to have rhinoplasty surgery done while suffering from hay fever, I would recommend trying to get your allergies under control before having it done simply for the sake of comfort and better healing. Find a good board-certified ENT or allergist who can help you with managing your allergy symptoms, then proceed with your rhinoplasty. Good luck.

Q: I have a straight nose tip. Will it ever develop into a droopy tip? I’m afraid it’ll point down in the future.

A: The tip of the nose tends to droop due to aging in some people, while others may never experience drooping of the tip. There is no way to tell how your features may change in the future until it actually happens. My advice is to stop worrying about it and enjoy your straight nose tip. If you notice it drooping, in the future and it bothers you, visit a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for a consultation to see about correcting it. I hope this helps.

Q: Is it possible for the bridge of the nose to become swollen after an injury, and for that swelling to last a long time?

A: Yes, it is perfectly normal to experience swelling after an injury to the nose. Nose swelling can last for weeks to months, and in some cases even up to a year. Injuries to the nose can occasionally cause permanent damage, in which case you may want to seek the advice of a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. I hope this helps.

Q: Can a rhinoplasty fix breathing problems, and is it covered by insurance?

A: Yes, if you have an anatomical blockage in your nose causing nasal obstruction, then surgery to correct this may be covered under your insurance.  Patients must first try medications to see if they improve breathing before surgery.  If you have a deviated septum causing breathing problems, a septoplasty could help alleviate those problems.  Enlarge turbinates or narrowed nasal valves are other causes of nasal obstruction that can be fixed surgically.   I hope this helps.

Q: Can the cartilage of your nose be reshaped without breaking any bones or adding anything?

A:  It is possible to reshape the nose without breaking any bones or “adding” anything.  This can be commonly completed during a tip plasty to improve the shape of the tip.   You would need to be seen in person by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to make sure that a tip rhinoplasty only is appropriate and would give you the results that you want. I hope this helps.

Q: Should you use the same surgeon for different procedures, i.e. rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty?

A: As long as your surgeon is sufficiently skilled and experienced in both procedures, there is no reason not to have your surgeries done by the same person, especially if they are both facial procedures. I personally perform both rhinoplasties and blepharoplasties at my practice regularly. If you were looking to have, for instance, a nose job and a breast lift, however, I would recommend seeing a facial plastic surgeon for the nose job and a general plastic surgeon for the breast lift. This is because facial plastic surgeons tend to have more experience and skill in facial procedures, while general plastic surgeons usually perform many more body procedures than facial procedures. I hope this helps.

Q: How long does swelling last after a rhinoplasty? It’s been about 3 weeks, and while I liked my result immediately after the cast and tape was removed, it’s now very swollen and I’m a bit worried.

A: Swelling after a rhinoplasty is completely normal. The majority of swelling dissipates within the first 3 to 4 months, and it can take up to a year for the entirety of the swelling to resolve.  Swelling may take longer to resolve in patients that have thick skin or undergoing a revision rhinoplasty. The best thing to do is to be patient and follow up with your surgeon as necessary. I hope this helps.

Q: What is a tip rhinoplasty and how does it differ from other types of rhinoplasty?

A: A tip rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that focuses only on changing the appearance of the tip of the nose. While tip rhinoplasties focus only on one part of the nose anatomy, they are nonetheless highly complex surgeries that should only be performed by an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon for the best results.

Q: What is a non-surgical nose job? I’m unhappy with my nose, but can’t afford rhinoplasty surgery. I’m considering non-surgical options but don’t know what they entail or if they last.

A: A non-surgical nose job involves using dermal fillers to reshape the nose. Depending on what exactly the patient’s concern is, sometimes fillers are enough to change the appearance of the nose satisfactorily. Dermal fillers will not last as long as the results from a surgical procedure. A surgical nose job is essentially for forever, while dermal fillers may last anywhere from a few months to a year. I suggest visiting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for a consultation to determine what your best options are. Sometimes financing is available to help patients who can’t afford a surgical procedure upfront.

Q: How soon after a rhinoplasty can I fly or exercise?

A: I encourage my patients to begin light exercise two weeks following rhinoplasty surgery. Heavier exercise can be done starting at 4 to 6 weeks following surgery, depending on the individual. Flying should be avoided for the first week, and preferably the second as well. All of the stitches, tape, and nasal splints will be removed after the first week, but flying may increase your risk of bleeding and may also cause issues with congestion. If you do fly one or two weeks after rhinoplasty surgery, it is recommended to take steps to keep your nose hydrated with a nasal spray. Please follow your surgeon’s instructions as to when you can fly after surgery. I hope this helps.

Q: How can I minimize bruising from a rhinoplasty?

A: At my practice, I begin the recovery process before the surgery even starts by having my patients avoid a list of items that may increase bruising following surgery. These items include products which contain aspirin (a full list will be given to patients), alcohol (especially red wine), fish and fish oil, and most multivitamins and herbal supplements. In addition to avoiding the aforementioned items, I start my patients on Arnica Forte or Bromelain 3-5 days before surgery. Arnica and Bromelain are herbal supplements that are known to reduce swelling and bruising after surgery. It is also extremely important to avoid nicotine before and after surgery, as it may cause complications and slow down the normal healing process. I will be available before and after surgery to answer questions, provide support, and ensure the best and fastest surgical process and recovery. I hope this helps.

Q: What is the average rhinoplasty recovery time? When will the bandages come off, and when can I go out in public?

A: At my practice, I usually remove stitches, tape, and nasal splints after one week. Patients may then feel ready to go back to work or school, or they may choose to wait one more week due to swelling or bruising. Most often, bruising resolves after one week, but in some cases, it may take up to two weeks to fully resolve. The majority of swelling will dissipate within the first 3-4 months, but residual swelling may take up to a full year to completely resolve.

Q: I had rhinoplasty done 3 weeks ago and my nose is still very swollen. How long is normal to have swelling after a rhinoplasty?

A: Swelling after three weeks is perfectly normal. My patients usually see an 80% reduction in swelling after 3-4 months, but it may take up to a year for full resolution of swelling. Be patient, and you will slowly start to see the swelling resolve and what your new nose will look like.

Q: What is a tip rhinoplasty and how does it differ from other types of rhinoplasty?

A: A tip rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that focuses only on changing the appearance of the tip of the nose. While tip rhinoplasties focus only on one part of the nose anatomy, they are nonetheless highly complex surgeries that should only be performed by an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon for the best results.

Q: What is a non-surgical nose job? I’m unhappy with my nose, but can’t afford rhinoplasty surgery. I’m considering non-surgical options but don’t know what they entail or if they last.

A: A non-surgical nose job involves using dermal fillers to reshape the nose. Depending on what exactly the patient’s concern is, sometimes fillers are enough to change the appearance of the nose satisfactorily. Dermal fillers will not last as long as the results from a surgical procedure. A surgical nose job is essentially for forever, while dermal fillers may last anywhere from a few months to a year. I suggest visiting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for a consultation to determine what your best options are. Sometimes financing is available to help patients who can’t afford a surgical procedure upfront.

Q: It’s 3 weeks after my nose job, and my nose appears to be uneven and my nostrils are different sizes. Is this reversible? My next appointment is in a month and I’m worried that any damage will not be reversible by then.

A: 3 weeks post-op is still very early in the healing process, and it is possible that swelling could be contributing to your uneven appearance. Most patients don’t begin to see what their final results will look like until after at least 3 months or longer. If you are still unhappy with your results after 6 months have passed, you can start looking into revision rhinoplasty options. For now, be patient and continue following up with your surgeon. I hope this helps.

Q: Is it really necessary to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon after a rhinoplasty if you’re not experiencing any issues?

A: Yes, it is essential to continue setting follow-up visits with your surgeon even if you think you are healing well. Only your surgeon can detect early warning signs of potential problems and address them before they turn into major complications. Even if you feel that there is nothing at all wrong, it’s still better to be on the safe side. Please continue to attend all follow-up appointments that your surgeon schedules with you. I hope this helps.

Q: Do surgeons have to give revisions if a patient is unhappy with their nose job? I just want some minor retouches but I’m afraid my surgeon will say no.

A: Surgeons are not obligated to perform rhinoplasty revisions, and there may be a number of reasons why they might say no. In my practice, I will perform a revision rhinoplasty with no surgeons fee if I feel I could of done a better job.  If the patient wants to try to make a good result better, then that is a different situation.  If you are unhappy with your results and feel a revision is necessary, you should first make sure that your surgeon is qualified to perform revision rhinoplasties. Revision rhinoplasties are much more complex and difficult than primary rhinoplasties. It would be best to seek a facial plastic surgeon who is skilled and experienced in performing revision rhinoplasties. I hope this helps.

Q: What Are the Possible Risks in Shaving Down Nose Hump?

A: Most of the risks associated with complicated cosmetic surgery procedures, such as rhinoplasty, are dependent on the expertise of the facial plastic surgeon. While nose bumps can be shaved, avoiding full rhinoplasty in some cases, an inexpert shaving may result in a nose that is then too wide or flat. In your case, you would need a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in ethnic rhinoplasty. The amount of cartilage vs. bone and the type of cartilage varies and must be taken into consideration when planning a rhinoplasty. Your new nose must also be in harmony with your face and your unique identity.  After a hump reduction, the nose should be re-supported with cartilage grafting to prevent changes in the long term. I hope this helps.

Q: Does Getting a Nose Job, Drastically Change Your Face?

A: The nose is the most central and prominent feature on the face; however it should not be the first feature that attracts an onlooker’s attention. Ideally, the eyes and smile are noticed first. If your nose is overly prominent or no in balance with the face, it can detract attention from the rest of your face. A nose job helps put your face into harmony, allowing your natural beauty to shine through. A well-performed rhinoplasty can easily take someone from “7” to “9” or “10,” but this will vary by individual. I hope this helps.

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